Guidelines for the treatment and follow-up of children aged two months to 18 years with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is one of the respiratory complications to be evaluated in a child who is born prematurely and who is immersed in different respiratory and systemic comorbidities that impact development throughout his or her life. For this reason, a follow-up and treatment guide aimed at preventing complications and improving his or her quality of life is essential for the decision making of the doctors in charge of patients with this disease. This guide for long-term follow-up and treatment of children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia contains updated information aimed at health personnel with the aim of improving the processes of care and prevention in people from 2 months to 18 years of age. It includes evidence and recommendations about: Image studies, respiratory function, fluid intake, diuretics, bronchodilators, steroids, oxygen, pulmonary hypertension, sleep disorders, exacerbations, nutrition, comorbidities and prevention of complications. In Mexico, the official incidence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia is unknown; however, it is presumed to increase thanks to the survival of these children in the country’s neonatal intensive therapies, so general practitioners, family doctors, rehabilitators, pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists need to be updated for coordinated and effective monitoring of this population.