Predictors of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Infants With Birth Weight Less Than 1500 g

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant complication in preterm and low birth weight infants.
• The incidence of BPD remains high, posing long-term health risks including chronic lung and cardiovascular diseases.
• Limited data exists on BPD in Indonesia, highlighting the need for local research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants weighing less than 1500 grams.
• To provide a reference for preventive strategies aimed at reducing BPD-related mortality and morbidity.
• To address the knowledge gap concerning BPD in the Indonesian context.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study including 116 infants with birth weight under 1500g.
• Data analysis included multivariate analysis to determine significant predictors.
• Key variables assessed included duration of mechanical ventilation, hematocrit levels, and presence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).

Main Results:

• Twenty-two percent (19%) of infants studied developed BPD.
• The highest proportion of BPD cases (63.6%) occurred in infants born between 28 to 31 weeks of gestational age.
• Significant predictors identified were mechanical ventilation beyond the first 2 days of life (HR=7.7), hematocrit <39% (HR=12), and hsPDA (HR=3.5).

Conclusions:

• Mechanical ventilation duration, low hematocrit, and hsPDA are significant predictors of BPD in very low birth weight infants.
• These findings can inform targeted interventions to mitigate BPD risk in vulnerable newborns.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these predictors and develop effective prevention strategies in Indonesia.