Follow-up of 5- to 11-year-old children treated for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Aim: Determine the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and relate this to cumulative exposure to hypoxia, hypocapnia and hypotension. Describe chronic health problems among 5‐ to 11‐year‐old children treated for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Methods: The index group consisted of 85 children and a reference group was matched for age, sex and municipality of current residence. Questionnaires were sent to the families. The families in the index group were asked to participate in an examination of their child's hearing. Results: Seven children (11%) had SNHL. SNHL was not associated with hypoxia, hypocapnia or hypotension during treatment for PPHN. In the index group chronic health problems were reported in 42% compared with 17% in the reference group (chi‐square test, p = 0.001). Twenty‐one percent in the index group were treated with bronchodilator therapy compared with 8% in the reference group (chi‐square test, p = 0.028). In the index group five children had cerebral palsy and two had developmental delay. Nineteen percent in the index group and 5% in the reference group had remedial education (chi‐square test, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Children treated for PPHN are at high risk for SNHL. Exposure to hypoxia, hypocapnia or hypotension did not predict SNHL. The incidence of chronic health problems and use of remedial education was high.