Paediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
Also written as: pPH — Paediatric Pulmonary Hypertension
A haemodynamic condition in children defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure exceeding 20 mmHg at rest, encompassing a broad spectrum of aetiologies distinct from the adult form.
Full Definition
Paediatric pulmonary hypertension (pPH) differs meaningfully from adult pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in its aetiological spectrum, natural history, and treatment responses. In children, pPH is frequently associated with congenital heart disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, developmental lung anomalies, and chronic lung disease. The updated 2022 haemodynamic definition lowers the diagnostic threshold from 25 mmHg to >20 mmHg mean pulmonary arterial pressure. Editors must distinguish 'pulmonary hypertension' (PH), which is a haemodynamic description, from 'pulmonary arterial hypertension' (PAH), a specific subgroup. The lowercase 'p' in 'pPH' distinguishes the paediatric designation from the generic PH abbreviation.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate pPH with PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension, Group 1 only) or with PPHN (persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn). Note the 2022 threshold change from 25 to >20 mmHg.
In Context
- "Echocardiography estimated a right ventricular systolic pressure of 55 mmHg, supporting a diagnosis of paediatric pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease." — Cardiology–pulmonology combined report
- "The manuscript used 'PAH' and 'PH' interchangeably; the editor inserted a table distinguishing the WHO classification groups for clarity." — Manuscript editorial note