Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: a review.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a serious medical emergency in the neonatal period which occurs because of failure of transition of the foetal circulation into the normal circulation. The condition is characterised by persistently elevated pulmonary vascular pressures and despite numerous modalities of treatment available, the condition carries with it a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Early awareness of predisposing conditions and early diagnosis leads to better outcomes in PPHN.