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Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
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Postnatal weight gain in preterm infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Girija Natarajan1, Yvette R Johnson2, Beverly Brozanski3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan.

American Journal of Perinatology
|May 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Postnatal growth failure (PGF) is common in preterm infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD), worsening throughout hospitalization. Small for gestational age (SGA) infants with sBPD face higher risks of adverse outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) is a significant complication in preterm infants.
  • Postnatal growth failure (PGF) is defined as weight below the 10th percentile for postmenstrual age (PMA).
  • Understanding growth patterns in infants with sBPD is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize PGF in preterm infants (≤ 27 weeks' gestation) with sBPD.
  • To analyze PGF rates at various postmenstrual ages during hospitalization.
  • To compare PGF and small for gestational age (SGA) status in infants who died or underwent tracheostomy versus others.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective data review from the multicenter Children's Hospital Neonatal Database (CHND).
  • Analysis of a cohort of 375 preterm infants with sBPD.
  • Assessment of PGF at admission and at 36, 40, 44, and 48 weeks' PMA.

Main Results:

  • PGF rates increased progressively from 33% at admission to 79% by 48 weeks' PMA.
  • At discharge, 50% of infants experienced PGF, and 34% required tube feedings.
  • Infants who died or underwent tracheostomy had a significantly higher proportion of SGA (38% vs. 17%; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Infants with sBPD frequently exhibit progressive PGF during NICU stays.
  • Fetal growth restriction (SGA) may indicate a higher risk of adverse outcomes in infants with sBPD.
  • Early identification and management of PGF are essential for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

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