Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program

Comprehensive care for children with pulmonary hypertension

Children with pulmonary hypertension (PH) get attentive, comprehensive care from our compassionate team. We offer advanced therapies and supportive services, helping children manage PH and feel their best.

Diagnostic services

Early diagnosis of PH helps your child get treatment and slow disease progression. We use several tests to diagnose PH and determine its type and severity, including:

• Chest CT

• Echocardiogram

• Cardiac catheterization

• Heart MRI

Genetic testing and counseling

Some types of pulmonary hypertension can run in families. This means parents may pass certain genetic changes to their children that may cause PH.

If your child receives a PH diagnosis, we may recommend genetic testing and counseling. We help you understand the test results and determine whether your other family members are at risk of developing the condition.

Our multispecialty approach to PH therapy

We diagnose and treat all types of PH, including PH with or without a known cause. Our team cares for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. We also provide collaborative, specialized care for children with PH caused by pulmonary vein stenosis.

Our program offers the combined experience of many specialists. Your child's care team may include:

• Cardiologists

• Pulmonologists

• Neonatologists

• Intensivists (intensive care specialists)

• Dietitians

• Pharmacists

Pulmonary hypertension treatment for kids

Our providers use several treatments to help manage PH symptoms, including oxygen therapy and medications. We also offer leading surgical and interventional procedures:

• Subcutaneous continuous therapy. This medication is delivered continuously through a small, thin tube placed under the skin.

• Potts shunt. We create a connection between a pulmonary artery and the heart to lower blood pressure in the lungs.

The UCSF pediatric heart surgery program has some of the best cardiac procedure outcomes in the country, so you can trust your child is getting the best care possible.

Pediatric PH clinical trials

We're committed to researching new treatments for children with PH. Our patients can participate in clinical trials and are often among the first to benefit from promising therapies.

Camp for kids with PH

Our Pulmonary Hypertension Family Camp (PHamily Camp) gives children with PH a chance to be active and enjoy being kids. At the Painted Turtle, they can experience the magic of a campfire and build friendships with fellow campers. A caring staff understands the unique needs of kids living with PH. Families, including healthy siblings, can learn, find support and connect with medical professionals from UCSF.

Seamless transition to adult care

We have a close, collaborative relationship with UCSF Health's adult PH providers. When your child is ready, we help them transition to adult PH care.