In some instances, infants receive insufficient oxygen in their bodies. This condition is called Pulmonary Hypertension. It results from excess pressure build-up in the infant's blood vessels. Studies show 50 - 70 million people worldwide have pulmonary hypertension. This accumulates around 1% of the world's population.
Pulmonary Hypertension can be permanently cured. However, this is not the case in a wide range of patients. Hence, the new treatment of pulmonary hypertension approved by the FDA on 28th June was a significant breakthrough!
It delivered hope to patients who were not getting results from older treatments.
More Details on New Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension
The LungFit PH is the first device to receive FDA approval to treat Pulmonary Hypertension in infants. LungFit PH uses patented technology to generate Nitric Oxide (NO) out of the surrounding air.
LungFit PH generates nitric oxide gas from room air in conjunction with a ventilator to improve oxygenation. It is intended for newborns of at least 34 weeks gestation with persistent pulmonary Hypertension.
The NO is passed through a filter to remove the toxic gas Nitrogen Dioxide. The filters require replacement every 12 hours, regardless of ventilator use.
This device is designed to administer the gas at current standard dosages for babies with Pulmonary Hypertension.
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Are there any side effects associated with LungFit PH?
Like any other therapy, this new treatment for pulmonary hypertension has adverse effects. No matter how minimal, you should know them!
We have mentioned them below.
Please read them carefully!
The following are some of the known side effects of LungFit PH:
There are many more things you should know before considering a treatment. We have discussed them below.
So please pay attention!
Are you wondering about the relation between Pulmonary edema and pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluids in the lungs that leads to breathing difficulty, cough, and frothy sputum. In some cases of severe and untreated pulmonary hypertension, the increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries causes a backup of blood in the lungs. And this increased pressure can lead to fluid leakage from the small blood vessels in the lungs, which results in pulmonary edema.
What should the patients know before considering LungFit PH?
You should remember the following before considering the new treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension:
- Sudden discontinuation of treatment may lead to worsening oxygenation and increasing pulmonary artery pressure, i.e., Rebound Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome.
- Rebound Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome signs include systemic hypotension, hypoxemia, bradycardia, and decreased cardiac output. If Rebound Pulmonary Hypertension occurs, reinstate NO therapy immediately.
- The NO from the LungFit PH is not advisable in neonates dependent on right-to-left blood flow in the heart chambers.
- LungFit is not indicated for adults. Its safety and efficacy are not known in adults.
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