Volume 10: Issue 2

This issue of Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension highlights the important changes in the recognition of the causes of PH in children and its treatment. PH in children differs from adults as children frequently have multifactorial disease, with a combination of a congenital heart defect, chronic lung disease, and an abnormality of lung development. The “fetal origin” of PH in children has been emphasized by Dr Steve Abman in his article on diagnosis and treatment of the child with broncho-pulmonary dysplasia. Currently there are no FDA-approved therapies for children with PH/PAH; however, therapy for these children has improved quality

Summaries and commentaries from the section editors and invited reviewers present a clinical context for pracitioners' application of the latest published research relevant to the care of patients with pulmonary hypertension. In this issue, Nick Kim, MD, discusses the implications for screening for PH in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Pulmonary vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension contribute to the pathophysiology and outcomes of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Data are extremely limited regarding many aspects of pulmonary hypertension in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, including the need to learn more about its natural history and prevalence, mechanisms that cause pulmonary hypertension or contribute to progressive disease, and the relative risks and benefits of current therapeutic strategies. Although new therapies are now available for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, their role in the clinical care of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and improving long-term outcomes requires more thorough investigation.

Over the past decade, major progress has occurred in the care of children and adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Recent insights into molecular mechanisms implicated in the development of pulmonary vascular disease have led to revised clinical classification and diagnostic strategies.1 Data from multicenter pulmonary hypertension registries have provided increased understanding of the clinical course and natural history of many subtypes of disease.2–4 Additionally, the development of multiple therapies targeting important pathways of disease and the translation of those treatments to pediatrics have led to improved life experience and survival for many children with PAH.5

Pediatric PH: New Challenges and Perspectives

Highlighting our Pediatric Heroes

Review of the Latest Published Research

Child and Family Centered Care for Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Approach to the Child With Pulmonary Hypertension and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Idiopathic and Heritable Pulmonary Hypertension in Children: New Insights into Causes, Evaluation, and Treatment

An Update on Therapies for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension 2011

Using Advanced Pulmonary Hypertension Therapies in Children

The Ultimate Expert: A Patient's Perspective

Clinical Trials Update

Conference Abstracts

Guest Editor’s Memo

A Roundtable Discussion Addressing Patient-Centered Care and Quality of Life in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Editor’s Memo

Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Parenchymal Lung Disease