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The changing pattern of chronic lung disease of prematurity
I Hyde1, R E English, J D Williams
1Wessex Department of Paediatric Radiology, Southampton General Hospital.
Insights
Chronic lung disease in premature infants presents two types on chest X-ray. Type 1 shows typical chronic lung disease, while Type 2 often involves interstitial emphysema.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Chronic lung disease is a significant concern in premature infants.
- Radiographic findings are crucial for diagnosing and classifying lung conditions in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize chronic lung disease of prematurity based on chest radiograph appearance.
- To differentiate between typical chronic lung disease and forms complicated by other conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of 34 infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity.
- Classification into two groups based on chest radiograph patterns.
- Type 1: homogeneous/patchy opacification without reticulation.
- Type 2: classical bronchopulmonary dysplasia appearance.
Main Results:
- 19 infants classified as Type 1 disease.
- 11 infants classified as Type 2 disease.
- 4 infants could not be classified.
- Type 1 disease did not result in mortality.
- Type 2 disease was frequently complicated by pulmonary interstitial emphysema.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 radiographic findings represent typical chronic lung disease in premature infants.
- Type 2 disease is often associated with pulmonary interstitial emphysema.
- The histopathological basis of Type 1 disease remains unknown due to no reported deaths.
Abstract:
Thirty four infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity were reviewed and divided into two groups on the appearance of the chest radiograph. Type 1 disease (n = 19) was defined as homogeneous or patchy ill defined opacification in the lungs without coarse reticulation, and type 2 disease (n = 11) had the classical appearance of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Four patients could not be classified. We conclude that type 1 disease represents typical chronic lung disease of premature infants, and type 2 is usually complicated by pulmonary interstitial emphysema. As no infant with type 1 disease died, its histopathological basis is unknown.