Table 3.

Unique Features of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

• Developmental biology of the cardiopulmonary system

• Timing of vascular injury during susceptible periods of growth and adaptation

• Impact of lung vascular disease beyond PH alone (eg, distal lung growth in BPD, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, lung hypoplasia, congenital heart disease)

• Differences in genetics, maturational changes in vascular function and growth, and responsiveness to therapeutic strategies

• Developmental differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, potential adverse effects

• Importance of “preventive” strategies and approaches that target “reverse remodeling,” as well

• Maturational changes in right and left ventricular function

PH indicates pulmonary hypertension; BPD, bronchopulmonary dysplasia.