Which of the following is NOT a cause of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)?

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a serious condition that affects the circulatory system of neonates, characterized by the failure of pulmonary vascular resistance to decrease after birth, resulting in inadequate oxygenation and circulation.

Sepsis, meconium aspiration, and hypoglycemia are all conditions that can contribute to the development of PPHN. Sepsis can lead to systemic inflammation and changes in blood flow that exacerbate pulmonary hypertension. Meconium aspiration syndrome can cause airway obstruction and inflammation, also contributing to increased pulmonary pressures. Hypoglycemia, while less direct, can lead to neurological effects and metabolic imbalances that may complicate the transition to extrauterine life, potentially leading to PPHN.

In contrast, neonatal jaundice, while a common condition often seen in newborns, is primarily a result of hyperbilirubinemia due to the immature liver function and does not directly lead to the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause PPHN. Therefore, identifying neonatal jaundice as not being a cause of PPHN underscores the distinction between common neonatal conditions and those that directly impact pulmonary circulation at birth.