Hearing and neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Thirty-four infants who had a diagnosis of severe persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn at birth (alveolar-arterial oxygen difference greater than 600) were treated without paralysis or hyperventilation to induce alkalosis. All survived. Twenty-seven of these 34 eligible infants (79%) underwent neurologic, intelligence, and audiologic testing between 10 months and 6 years of age. Children who were younger than 1 year of age at the initial hearing test were retested after they reached 2 years of age. The average IQ was within the normal range (mean = 96.23). None had sensorineural hearing loss. Severe neurologic abnormalities were seen in 4 children, 3 of whom had been severely asphyxiated at birth (determined by biochemical criteria). Mild neurologic abnormalities were observed in 5 children. Two infants had bronchopulmonary dysplasia because they required supplemental oxygen for 29 and 66 days, respectively, and had abnormal chest roentgenograms; 1 patient takes intermittent doses of albuterol (Ventolin) and neither currently requires supplemental oxygen. This study of 27 infants with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn suggests that conservative management without induced alkalosis or respiratory paralysis is accompanied by no sensorineural hearing loss and a good neurologic outcome.