Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, or PPHN, is a life threatening condition that can result in long-lasting and permanent damage. This condition occurs after the baby is born and the baby’s lungs must begin to function on their own. This means exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen.
The PPHN emergency occurs when the baby’s circulatory system cannot adequately oxygenate the blood and properly distribute the oxygen through the body. This occurs when a part of the lungs, known as the ductus arteriosus, does not close all of the way like it is supposed to close. When this happens, the blood pressure in the lungs increases. In order to protect the lungs from damage, the body sends signals to direct blood away from the lungs to lower the blood pressure to protect them from damage. This is what results in the inadequate oxygenation.
When this occurs medical professionals must quickly identify and correct the condition. The longer that the PPHN is allowed to continue means that the longer that the body has inadequate oxygen. The longer that the body has inadequate oxygen, the greater the deprivation to the organs. This can result in irreparable damage to these organs, particularly the brain.
This is a lot of stress on a newborn baby, who are the most vulnerable members of our society. Newborns are dependent on our care and the medical provider’s care and treatment. When healthcare providers are negligent in failing to identify and remedy PPHN, the personal injuries caused to the newborn may be compensable under Minnesota law through a birth injury lawsuit.
There are several signs of PPHN, but these are the most common symptoms which manifest themselves within 12 hours after delivery and include the following:
When a healthcare provides observe these symptoms within 12 hours of a baby’s delivery, it could be a strong sign that there is PPHN. Failing to diagnose these symptoms can result in the following birth injuries and conditions to the victim:
Families Whose Newborn is a Victim of PPHN Malpractice Should Call Kuhlman Law, LLC to Learn How We Can Help
All birth injuries are devastating injuries, but PPHN is the type of injury which causes permanent and long-lasting damage to a person’s entire life. All that is required is that medical staff carefully evaluate the baby during a short, 12 hour period of care. This is shorter than most discharges after a delivery.
Yet, this does not always happen. If you believe that you or your loved one may have been the victim of medical malpractice, call to schedule a FREE appointment. We accept cases throughout Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, or any other city. Please call Kuhlman Law, LLC by dialing (612) 444-3374 to learn what your rights to compensation you may have. You may also contact us using our easy and convenient “contact us” box at the bottom of our website. If we accept your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation to get you the answers you deserve, all for free. There is no risk, and you only pay us if we recover compensation for you.
We also handle cases throughout the state of Oregon including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro. Our Oregon office number is (541) 385-1999.