Central airway issues in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

While there is a very large focus on the abnormalities of parenchymal lung development and extensive efforts to minimize alveolar damage with "gentle ventilation" and noninvasive respiratory support for neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), there is relatively little consideration for the implications of central airway disease in this patient population. There are significant changes in the structure and conformation of the central airway during the last half of gestation, and premature birth disrupts this natural developmental process. The arrest of maturation results in a smaller airway that is more compliant, easier to deform, and more susceptible to damage. Consequently, neonates with BPD are prone to developing central airway pathology, particularly for patients who require intubation and positive pressure ventilation. Central airway disease can be divided into dynamic and fixed airway obstruction and results in increased respiratory morbidity in neonates with chronic lung disease of prematurity.