Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: An Overview

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common long-term respiratory morbidity of infants born prematurely. Historically thought to be a direct consequence of lung injury from mechanical ventilation and exposure to high concentrations of oxygen, recent evidence suggests that the BPD of today may be the result of altered lung development and altered alveolarization. In this paper, we will review historical and contemporary definitions of BPD as well as frequently used prevention and management strategies.