Prevalence, Prevention and Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex pulmonary condition that arises in preterm infants secondary to a constellation of adverse exposures contributing to impaired lung development and repair. In many developed countries, the incidence of BPD continues to rise despite the increasing use of evidence-based therapies and efforts to minimize adverse post-natal exposures. Refinement of perinatal care practices that reduce mortality in the most immature infants is likely contributing to this trend; however, a growing population of survivors with respiratory morbidity significantly burdens individuals and health-care systems. Racial and socioeconomic disparities also result in unequal distribution of morbidity within society. In this review, we will outline trends in the incidence of BPD over the last decade and review important risk factors for adverse pulmonary outcomes. The consequences of BPD for long-term health will be described, followed by a comprehensive summary of evidence-based therapies and potential future treatments that can be applied to reduce the incidence, and the prevalence of BPD.