2025 ICD-10-CM code P29.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period - Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders specific to the perinatal period 16 Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period Feed
Persistent fetal circulation (PFC), also known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), is a condition in newborns where the circulatory system doesn't transition to normal postnatal function. This results in continued high pressure in the pulmonary artery and right ventricle of the heart, making it harder to pump blood into the lungs.
Medical necessity for the treatment of PFC stems from the life-threatening nature of the condition.The impaired oxygenation caused by PFC can lead to severe complications, including organ damage and death.Treatment is essential to improve oxygen delivery to the tissues and support the newborn's overall health.
Managing PFC requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neonatologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists.The focus is on stabilizing the newborn's respiratory and cardiovascular systems, improving oxygenation, and addressing the underlying causes.This often involves mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, inhaled nitric oxide, and medications to support heart function.
- 16 Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
- P29 Other respiratory conditions originating in the perinatal period
In simple words: Persistent fetal circulation (PFC) is a condition where a newborn's blood circulation stays similar to how it was in the womb, bypassing the lungs. This makes it hard for the baby to get enough oxygen. It's also known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
Persistent fetal circulation (PFC), synonymous with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), arises from the failure of the systemic and pulmonary circulation to transition from the fetal circulatory pattern to the normal postnatal pattern. This results in sustained elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) after birth, leading to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and increased workload on the right side of the heart. The condition is marked by the persistence of right-to-left shunting of blood through the ductus arteriosus and/or foramen ovale, bypassing the lungs. PFC typically occurs in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, meconium aspiration, intrauterine or neonatal hypoxia and ischemia.It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to severe hypoxemia.
Example 1: A full-term newborn presents with respiratory distress shortly after birth, exhibiting cyanosis and tachypnea.Despite oxygen therapy, the baby's oxygen saturation remains low.Echocardiography reveals right-to-left shunting through the ductus arteriosus, consistent with PFC., A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome develops increasing oxygen requirements and evidence of pulmonary hypertension.The clinical picture suggests PFC complicating the existing lung disease., A newborn with meconium aspiration syndrome fails to respond to conventional respiratory support.Further evaluation indicates PFC due to persistent pulmonary vasoconstriction caused by the aspirated meconium.
Documentation should include details of the newborn's respiratory status, oxygenation levels, blood gas analysis, imaging studies (such as chest X-ray and echocardiography), and any underlying conditions contributing to PFC.
- Specialties:Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Pulmonology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital