Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Associated Pulmonary Hypertension – A Survey of Current Practices in USA and Canada

Objectives: To evaluate the implementation of the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2015 guidelines in the diagnosis (including the utility of cardiac catheterization) and management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) in USA and Canada.

Methods: A validated 25-item questionnaire was sent to academic neonatal centers in USA and Canada to collect information on diagnosis, screening protocols, availability of resources and management of BPD-PH.

Results: 133 responses were included (112 USA and 21 Canadian providers). There were no significant differences in the resources and practices between USA and Canada. ECHO alone is most commonly used to screen infants for BPD-PH and cardiac catheterization is rarely utilized. Treatment of BPD-PH includes use of oxygen to maintain saturations > 95%, Sildenafil, Nitric oxide and combination of all above.

Conclusion: The AHA/ATS guidelines are being implemented partly. There is an urgent need for appropriate and practical guidelines for the management of BPD-PH.