A Rare and Unusual Case of Severe Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in a Newborn due to Accidental Drug Exposure in Mother

Mahaveer Singh Lakra; Amar Taksande; Ashwini Lakra; Rewat Meshram; Roshan Prasad

doi:10.54133/ajms.v7i2.1510

Authors

Mahaveer Singh Lakra Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education Research, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Amar Taksande Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education Research, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Ashwini Lakra Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education Research, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Rewat Meshram Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education Research, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Roshan Prasad Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education Research, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1958-2026

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v7i2.1510

Keywords:

Maternal drug exposure, Maternal depression, New borne, Persistent pulmonary hypertension, Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Vascular remodeling

Abstract

Persistent pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening illness that can be fatal if not diagnosed early. Some medications, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause severe persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns if administered antenatally, especially after 20 weeks of gestation. We present a case in which the use of selective serotonin uptake inhibitors during pregnancy resulted in severe chronic pulmonary hypertension in a newborn. A 2.5-kilogram male newborn was delivered via caesarean section and was asymptomatic for one day. On day 2 of life, the baby suffered cyanosis and difficulties breathing, necessitating intubation. In retrospect, the mother was taking sertraline for the treatment of depression. Based on the clinical characteristics and presentation, an echocardiogram was performed, which revealed severe chronic pulmonary hypertension. The baby was successfully treated with pulmonary vasodilators and high flow oscillating ventilation.

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