Pulmonary Hemorrhage in the Neonate

Abstract

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a pathology associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm infants in the NICU. The diagnosis is made when hemorrhagic secretions are aspirated from the trachea concurrent with respiratory decompensation that necessitates intubation or escalated support. The implementation of mechanical ventilation and widespread exogenous surfactant administration have significantly reduced respiratory morbidities. However, when PH develops, death remains the most common outcome. Treatment for PH remains primarily supportive; thus, a thorough understanding of underlying disease processes, manifestations, diagnostic testing, and current evidence is vital to enable early identification and proactive management to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: PH; hemocoagulase; intratracheal epinephrine; neonate; patent ductus arteriosus; pulmonary hemorrhage; recombinant activated factor VIIa; respiratory; surfactant.