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Pulmonary Hypertension Program

The Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program is one of the leading programs of its kind in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), we focus on early detection, state-of-the-art treatment and long-term follow-up care.

We treat all types of pulmonary hypertension, including idiopathic PH, persistent PH of the newborn (PPHN) and secondary PH caused by another condition.

One key to our program's strength is the combined experience and knowledge of many specialists. The team brings together pediatric intensive care specialists, neonatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists and nurse practitioners, all with expertise in caring for children with PH.

Ours is the only pediatric PH program in California and one of the few nationwide to be accredited as a Center of Comprehensive Care by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Camp for kids with PH

Our Pulmonary Hypertension Family Camp (PHamily Camp) gives children with PH a chance to be active and enjoy experiences that kids who don't have serious illnesses take for granted. At camp, they can experience the magic of a campfire and the camaraderie of camp life with the support of a caring camp staff.

PHamily Camp focuses on:

  • Empowering children with PH
  • Bringing families of children with PH together to share experiences and support
  • Providing unique educational opportunities for clinicians from UCSF and Stollery PH centers to engage with families and patients in a safe and open environment

International conference: Neonatal and Childhood Pulmonary Vascular Disease

UCSF hosts this leading conference annually. It brings together experts from around the world to explore our current understanding of the basics as well as new and future therapies for pulmonary vascular diseases in newborns, children and adults.

The conference includes education sessions for families and patients.

Clinical trials and research

In addition to providing the best available therapies, we're committed to researching promising new treatments. Our patients often have opportunities to participate in clinical trials and are among the first to benefit from the latest findings.

Our locations (4)

    Highlights of our heart care

    A whole-child approach

    We believe in caring for the whole child. This means addressing all of your child's medical needs while also nurturing their emotional, developmental and social well-being.

    Built for kids

    We're part of a children's hospital, and pediatric heart care is our only focus – we don't treat adults. All our doctors and nurses are specially trained in caring for babies and children, and our facilities and equipment were designed with their needs in mind.

    Extra support for patients

    Child life specialists are experts in helping kids cope with medical procedures and hospitalization. Using play, education and therapeutic techniques tailored to the child's age and needs, they make the health care experience more positive for the whole family.

    Extra support for families

    Our Family Resource Center provides information, amenities and comfort to parents and other caregivers, making it easier for you to remain with your child during a hospitalization.

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery

    • Accredited pediatric center for comprehensive care (Pulmonary Hypertension Association)

    Patient stories

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    Dramatic Recovery for Teen With Pulmonary Hypertension

    Follow a teen's pulmonary hypertension journey, from always out of breath to walking a 5K, and the nationally recognized pediatric team that helped her.

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    A Lifesaver for Baby: Specialized Pulmonary Hypertension Care

    A baby with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) has hernia repair surgery and infusion therapy for PH at UCSF.

    Decorative Caduceus

    Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet) Informatics Registry

    Death

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    Decorative Caduceus

    Mono vs. Dual Therapy for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    There are four WHO functional classes: Class I: Pulmonary hypertension without resulting limitation of physical activity; Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, or chest pain or near-syncope; Class II:...

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    Decorative Caduceus

    Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry

    PAH guideline-recommended diagnostics assessed include chest radiography, echocardiogram, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, pulmonary function tests, overnight oximetry, and right heart catheterization and identified as either "co...

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    See all clinical trials

    Related clinics (3)

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    Cardiology Clinic

    Cardiology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Berkeley / Brentwood / Eureka / Fairfield / Fr...

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    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    San Francisco / Oakland

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    Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

    Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

    San Francisco / Oakland

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Can't find what you're looking for?

    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273

    Fetal surgery firsts

    The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.

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