Skip to main content

Table 2 Criteria for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension in bronchopulmonary dysplasia per the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network guidelines

From: Double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial of dexamethasone 4, 5 and 6 mg for preventing adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes in very preterm to late preterm pregnancies between 29 0 and 36 6 weeks of gestation: study protocol

Level of severity

Echocardiography findings

No PHT

RVSP < 1/3 SBP by TR gradient; septal position rounded at end-systole of LV; no RVH; normal RV size and function; if present, large VSD or PDA gradients suggesting < 1/3 systemic RV pressures

Mild PHT

RVSP 1/3–1/2 SBP; flattening of IVS at end-systole of LV; mild RVH and RV dilatation; RV function may be normal

Moderate PHT

RVSP ½–2/3 SBP; flattening of IVS at end-systole of LV or with late systolic posterior bowing; moderate RVH or dilatation; RV may have reduced function

Severe PHT

RVSP > 2/3 SBP; if present, shunt with predominant R-L gradient; pansystolic posterior septal bowing; severe RVH; RV dilatation; low velocity shunting across PDA or VSD

  1. IVS interventricular septum, LV left ventricle, PDA patent ductus arteriosus, PHT pulmonary hypertension, R-L right to left, RV right ventricle, RVH right ventricular hypertrophy, RVSP right ventricular systolic pressure, SBP systolic blood pressure, TR tricuspid regurgitation, VSD ventricular septal defect
Back to article page

Reproductive Health

ISSN: 1742-4755