Therapeutic targets in neonatal pulmonary hypertension: Linking pathophysiology to clinical medicine

Treatment of pulmonary hypertension in neonates is a major challenge on the intensive care unit and involves high morbidity and mortality. However, we have gained considerable insights into the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension leading to an increasing number of possible treatment targets. Translation of these novel targets into clinical application requires multicenter, randomized, controlled trials. Furthermore, considering the underlying pathology is important in therapy choice. New therapies will not only target vasodilation, but also reduce vascular remodeling and enhance postnatal lung development. This review provides an overview of currently available drugs and promising new targets in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in neonates.