Reengagement with Physiology in Neonatal Heart and Lung Care: A Priority for Training and Practice

Despite advances in respiratory, nutritional, and neuroprotective strategies, improving short- and long-term outcomes for neonates with complex cardiorespiratory disease remains a challenge.1-4 Neonates, especially those born prematurely, are highly vulnerable to end-organ injury due to developmental immaturity of the myocardium and vascular bed, altered hemodynamic or respiratory states, and unanticipated adverse effects of medications or other interventions. The consequences of abnormal lung –heart interactions may play a role in the long-term health of individuals born premature; specifically, early cardiovascular disease in the neonatal period has been shown to predict important outcomes, such as the need for prolonged invasive ventilation and hospitalization, bronchopulmonary dyspl asia (BPD) and/or pulmonary hypertension (PH), sustained respiratory disease throughout childhood, and severe cardiovascular disease into adulthood.
Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research