Pulmonary Hypertension Program

Diagnosing and Treating Patients with Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

Since 2019, Children’s Pulmonary Hypertension Program has been diagnosing and treating patients with pediatric pulmonary hypertension and has one of the few pulmonary hypertension programs in the United States dedicated to treating children. Our goal is to provide answers for the families in the Louisiana and Gulf states about this complicated disease. We also offer second opinions and advanced treatment options.

Pulmonary Hypertension is a rare condition that requires specialized treatment. The treatment plan will depend on the cause and nature of the disease. Caring for children with pulmonary hypertension requires a focused team to coordinate care. We are a multi-disciplinary team that works with multiple physicians across the organization to care for the whole child. This includes partnering with our colleagues in the critical care units, pulmonology, otorhinolaryngology, rheumatology, hematology and neurology. With some of our most complex cases, we may also consult with experts at other hospitals. If a lung transplant is required, we have partnered with other centers of excellence to ensure that our patients have the very best care possible

Pulmonary hypertension is high pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood into the lungs. This strains the lungs and heart and can lead to serious and sometimes fatal problems. Unlike other congenital heart conditions, there is no surgical treatment or “cure” for pulmonary hypertension. But treatment can help control the symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life.

In many cases, controlling this problem as early as possible can help prevent more severe pulmonary hypertension. Some of the most common causes of pulmonary hypertension are:

• Severe lung problems in the preterm newborn (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
• Lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or interstitial lung disease
• Heart disease
• Congenital heart defects
• HIV infection
• Other conditions, such as scleroderma, lupus, or sickle cell disease

More information about Pulmonary Hypertension can be found in our Children’s Hospital New Orleans Health Library.

What makes us different?

Our medical professionals offer specialized care and have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of infants, children and teens with this rare condition. We currently manage more over 50 patients with severe pulmonary hypertension either as a primary diagnosis or secondary to heart or lung disease.

To make an appointment at our Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic or to get a second opinion, please call 504.896.9751.

To make an appointment at our Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic or to get a second opinion, please call 504.896.9751.