[Premature infants bronchopulmonary dysplasia: past and present]

A Hadchouel1, C Delacourt

  • 1Service de pneumologie et d'allergologie pédiatriques, hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149-161, rue de Sèvres, 75043 Paris cedex 15, France. alice.hadchouel-duverge@nck.aphp.fr

Insights

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disease in premature infants. While treatments have advanced, BPD persists, necessitating research into genetic factors for better diagnosis and care.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Genetics

Context:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most frequent chronic respiratory condition in premature infants.
  • First described in 1967, BPD is linked to mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy.
  • Current definitions rely on oxygen support at 28 days and 36 weeks post-menstrual age.

Purpose:

  • To review the evolving landscape of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
  • To highlight the complex interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in BPD.
  • To underscore the need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Summary:

  • Despite advances in neonatal care, BPD affects 10-20% of premature infants, with no effective curative treatments.
  • BPD presents significant respiratory and neuro-cognitive morbidities, demanding substantial healthcare resources.
  • Pathophysiology involves a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental insults.

Impact:

  • Identifying genetic variants offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to BPD.
  • Current BPD management remains symptomatic, emphasizing the critical need for effective prophylactic or curative interventions.
  • Further research into BPD's genetic underpinnings is crucial for improving long-term outcomes in affected infants.

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