Diagnosis and treatment of severe pediatric pulmonary hypertension.

Advances in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension during the past decade have dramatically improved patient survival. Many of these advances are based on improved understanding of the vascular biology of the normal and hypertensive pulmonary circulations. Pulmonary hypertension is an important determinant of morbidity and mortality in patients with many pediatric diseases, including congenital heart disease. This article describes current diagnostic strategies and treatments for patients with primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension.