Management of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns with ECMO support: a single center's experience.

Abstract

To summarize the experience of management ofpersistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We presented three neonates with PPHN supported by ECMO in our center. Medical records and patient management notes were retrospectively reviewed. For two neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), diaphragm repair surgery was done under ECMO support. One patient was weaned from ECMO after 73hours, and recovered well at the last follow-up after 1year. The other patient was weaned from ECMO after 167hours, and he died from septic shock 21days after decannulation. For the neonate with idiopathic PPHN, ECMO was withdrawnsuccessfully. ECMO is an effective rescue means for refractory PPHN. Appropriate intervention timing, accurate coagulation, and volume management are important.