Final answer:
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is a condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, leading to increased pressure in the lungs. Treatment options include surgery, specialized devices, or medication. Without treatment, it can lead to congestive heart failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is a condition where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel in the heart, fails to close after birth. This leads to an abnormal circulation pattern, with blood flowing from the higher-pressure aorta into the lower-pressure pulmonary trunk. As a result, there is increased pressure in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fast heart rate, and poor weight gain in infants. Treatment options include surgery, the use of specialized coils or mesh, or medication to block the synthesis of certain substances in the blood vessels. If left untreated, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn can lead to congestive heart failure.