Pulmonary Hypertension

Blythedale’s expertise in caring for the most medically fragile of children is evident in our Pulmonary Hypertension rehabilitation program.  Children come to Blythedale directly from the Intensive Care Unit while receiving intravenous, inhaled, subcutaneous or oral medications for pulmonary hypertension.  Our pharmacy, staffed by board certified pediatric clinical pharmacists, compounds therapeutic agents and prepares IV infusions on site.  By investing in the most modern respiratory support technology, including critical care ventilators, portable ventilators, BiPAP, CPAP, bubble CPAP and high flow nasal cannula, we can transition infants and children quickly from the Intensive Care Unit to Blythedale.

Attending pediatricians are in the Hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as a commitment to a high quality and safe environment for medically fragile children. Our multi-disciplinary team of pediatricians, intensive care physicians, pediatric pulmonologists and pediatric respiratory therapists work closely with nurses, and physical, occupational and speech therapists to monitor cardiac and respiratory status while helping each child reach his or her full potential. Children and families maintain their relationship with the child’s referring medical team.  We have regular communication with the Pulmonary Hypertension teams from our referring institutions and arrange follow-up visits for evaluations such as echocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations, as needed.

Parents are involved in the care of the child and learn proper use of equipment, how to safely give pulmonary hypertension treatments and manage respiratory support devices from the start of admission.  Caregiver training is one of the hallmarks of the Blythedale experience and critical to prepare families to bring a child with pulmonary hypertension home.