Perioperative management of pulmonary hypertension in children with critical heart disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) is common to a variety of conditions occurring in infants and children presenting to the intensive care unit. A fundamental understanding of the response of the right ventricle to an increase in afterload and the clinical syndromes responsible for PHTN is essential for managing patients with PHTN and critical heart disease. There are important distinguishing features between PHTN syndromes, and although one form of PHTN may predominate, often more than one mechanism of PHTN is contributing to the pathophysiologic state. Thus, it is imperative to tailor therapies accordingly in order to optimize outcomes.