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Hypoxic Episodes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Richard J Martin1, Juliann M Di Fiore2, Michele C Walsh1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Suite RBC 3100, Cleveland, OH 44106-6010, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|November 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Hypoxic episodes in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) stem from immature respiratory control and abnormal function. Further research is needed to confirm if these hypoxic events cause related health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Hypoxic episodes are a significant complication in preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
  • Immature respiratory control and abnormal respiratory function are primary contributors to these hypoxic events.
  • Pulmonary hypertension and vasoconstriction may also play a role in hypoxic episodes in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the consequences of hypoxic episodes in preterm infants with BPD.
  • To investigate the potential associations between intermittent hypoxia and conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, sleep-disordered breathing, and neurodevelopmental delay.
  • To determine if these associations represent causal relationships.

Main Methods:

  • This study reviews the natural history of BPD in preterm infants.
  • It analyzes proposed associations between intermittent hypoxia and other health outcomes.
  • Future research directions are proposed to address causality.

Main Results:

  • The natural history of BPD in preterm infants is understood, but the consequences of associated hypoxic episodes are less clear.
  • Intermittent hypoxia is proposed to be associated with retinopathy of prematurity, sleep-disordered breathing, and neurodevelopmental delay.
  • Causal relationships between intermittent hypoxia and these outcomes require further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Hypoxic episodes are a key concern in preterm infants with BPD, linked to immature respiratory control and function.
  • While associations with other morbidities exist, their causal nature remains to be established.
  • Future studies are essential to clarify the role of intermittent hypoxia in the long-term outcomes of BPD.

Keywords:
Apnea of prematurityDesaturation episodes in preterm infantsNeonatal respiratory control

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