Blood Pressure drop on HFOV?

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Hi. I'm new here and have a question for you related to PPHN. I still consider myself a relatively new nurse. I feel I have a good understanding of PPHN however am not clear on something.

Why would a baby's blood pressure trend downwards, requiring Dopamine, after placing them on high frequency ventilation? Does this typically happen or is it unrelated to the change in ventilator?

looking forward to hanging out here often! Thanks!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

With HFOV, infants can require (and safely get) higher mean airway pressures, which by increasing intrathoracic pressure can decrease venous return and subsequently, cardiac output.

If a baby is sick enough to require an oscillator, there may be another factors such as sepsis, IVH, etc, that could be responsible for the drop in BP. (unless you are a unit that uses HFOV as a first line vent for preemies, like my old unit did)

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.
....increasing intrathoracic pressure can decrease venous return and subsequently, cardiac output.

:yeahthat:

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Thanks for your answer Steve. makes sense

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