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Persistent Fetal Circulation: Causes, Signs, and Treatment
Persistent Fetal Circulation, also known as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), is a condition that affects newborn babies. It occurs when the normal circulation changes that should happen at birth do not occur, leading to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This can result in decreased oxygen levels in the blood, putting stress on the baby's heart and potentially causing serious health complications.
What are the Symptoms of Persistent Fetal Circulation
Persistent Fetal Circulation typically presents with distinct signs that indicate underlying heart or lung problems in newborns.
- Rapid breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color)
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Weak pulse
- Cold extremities
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Get Second OpinionCauses of Persistent Fetal Circulation
Persistent Fetal Circulation, also known as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), is primarily caused by failure of the normal circulatory changes that occur during transition from fetal to newborn life.
- Congenital heart defects
- Meconium aspiration syndrome
- Pneumonia
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Polycythemia
- Infection
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Premature birth
- Maternal diabetes
Types of Persistent Fetal Circulation
Persistent Fetal Circulation may present in different ways, characterized by specific patterns of blood flow in the body.
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN): Abnormal constriction of the pulmonary blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure in the lungs after birth.
- Idiopathic Neonatal Arterial Calcification (INAC): Rare condition where there is calcification (hardening) of the major systemic arteries in newborns.
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): A defect in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity, impacting lung development and circulation.
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS): Underdevelopment of the left side of the heart, affecting blood flow to the body and lungs.
- Pulmonary Atresia: A condition where the pulmonary valve doesn't form properly, leading to restricted blood flow to the lungs.
Risk Factors
Persistent fetal circulation risk factors include premature birth, maternal diabetes, maternal drug use, and certain congenital heart defects, which can disrupt normal blood flow in newborns.
- Premature birth
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Maternal diabetes
- Maternal drug use
- Maternal infection during pregnancy
- Birth defects
- Genetic factors
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Diagnosis of Persistent Fetal Circulation
Persistent fetal circulation is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and monitoring of oxygen levels in the blood.
- Echocardiogram
- Arterial blood gas test
- Chest X Ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Blood tests
- Oxygen saturation monitoring
Treatment for Persistent Fetal Circulation
Persistent fetal circulation is generally treated through a combination of supportive care and interventions aimed at improving oxygenation and circulation in newborns.
- Oxygen Therapy: Providing supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen levels in the blood and tissues of the baby with Persistent Fetal Circulation.
- Intravenous Medications: Administering medications such as prostaglandins to help keep the ductus arteriosus open and improve blood flow in the newborn.
- Nitric Oxide Therapy: Using inhaled nitric oxide to relax blood vessels in the lungs and improve oxygen exchange, reducing pulmonary hypertension.
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): A mechanical device that provides cardiac and respiratory support for babies with severe Persistent Fetal Circulation who do not respond to other treatments.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical interventions like a patent ductus arteriosus ligation or atrial septostomy may be necessary to improve blood flow and oxygenation in the newborn.
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040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
What is Persistent Fetal Circulation (PFC)?
Persistent Fetal Circulation, also known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), is a condition where a newborn's circulation system fails to adapt to breathing outside the womb.
What are the symptoms of Persistent Fetal Circulation?
Symptoms of PFC include rapid breathing, low oxygen levels, rapid heart rate, and cyanosis (bluish skin color).
What are the risk factors for developing Persistent Fetal Circulation?
Risk factors for PFC include prematurity, maternal diabetes, meconium aspiration, and certain congenital heart defects.
How is Persistent Fetal Circulation diagnosed?
Diagnosis of PFC typically involves physical examination, blood tests to assess oxygen levels, echocardiogram, and sometimes imaging studies like chest x-rays.
What is the treatment for Persistent Fetal Circulation?
Treatment for PFC may include supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, medications to relax blood vessels in the lungs, and in severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
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