Incidence and Outcome of PPHN in Newborn With Risk Factor in A Level–III NICU, Dhaka: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Identify the risk factors and clinical outcomes of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).  

Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study in a Level-III Neonatal Unit, Dhaka between 1 st January 2025 to 31st January 2026. Neonates both term (>37 wks.) and preterm (< 37 wks.) with risk factor were included. Neonates who had major congenital anomalies were excluded. Matching was based on GA, BW, sex, use of pulmonary vasodilator, inotrope and respiratory support.  

Results: Over the 1-year study period, the incidence of PPHN among neonates was 68.7% (71/102). After matching, there were 71 cases and 31 controls. In univariable analysis, PPHN was significantly associated with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, Sepsis, Milrinone  shown to significantly reduces (p value-0.001) pulmonary pressure than Tadalafil and Sildenafil .PPHN was significantly associated with composite adverse outcomes— including mortality 22.8% (19/83)  

Conclusions: In newborn, PPHN was associated with perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration, RDS and sepsis by 03 basic mechanism and improved with pulmonary vasodilator like Sildenafil, Milrinone, respiratory support, inotrope. PPHN was significantly linked to adverse outcomes, particularly mortality, major morbidity.

JCMCTA 2026 ; 37 (1) : 132-137