Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common outcome of very premature birth. Affected infants are chronically oxygen dependent, require frequent hospital readmission and have troublesome respiratory symptoms and lung function abnormalities even at school age. BPD has a multifactorial aetiology and many preventative strategies have been assessed. Unfortunately, results of randomised trials have demonstrated that neither antenatal administration of corticosteroids or TRH nor postnatal surfactant administration prevents BPD. Similarly randomised comparisons of various respiratory modes have failed to identify one with a lower incidence of BPD. Fluid overload increases the likelihood of a patent ductus arteriosus and hence BPD, but neither fluid restriction nor diuresis promoting agents prevent BPD. Preliminary evidence suggests that inhaled nitric oxide given prophylactically might be efficacious. The only effective preventative strategy identified by large randomised trials is systemic administration of corticosteroids in the first two weeks after birth, unfortunately this treatment may also increase adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. It is, therefore, crucial to find a corticosteroid regime with a positive risk benefit ratio or preferably a safer and more effective treatment. In addition, it is important to develop a tool to accurately identify infants predestined to develop BPD, enabling them to be targeted for preventative strategies.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.