Outcomes of extremely preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a retrospective cohort study

To investigate the respiratory and related health outcomes at 18 months for extremely preterm (EP) infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the respiratory and related health outcomes at 18 months for extremely preterm (EP) infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Also, rephrase the second sentence to be: We reviewed post-hospital discharge outcomes for EP infants with BPD from Women's Health and Research Centre, Doha, Qatar (January 2018 - December 2019). We compared 86 BPD infants with 102 preterm controls without BPD. EP infants with BPD were more often male (70% vs. 46%, p < 0.001), had lower birth weights (797 g vs. 920 g) and gestational ages (25.3 vs. 25.9 weeks, both p < 0.001). They required more surfactant, longer ventilation, and experienced higher rates of complications. Post-discharge, infants with BPD had significantly higher rates of oxygen dependence, steroid use (both systemic and inhaled), gastric tube feeding, and sleep study evaluations compared to those without BPD. Regression analysis revealed that moderate and severe BPD were significantly associated with increased risk of pediatric intensive care unit admissions, pulmonary hypertension, any patent ductus arteriosus closure procedure, and neurodevelopmental impairment. Specifically, severe BPD was strongly associated with home gastric tube feeding (OR 67.3; 95% CI: 6.48-699.67; p < 0.001), motor delays (OR 6.29; 95% CI: 1.61-24.54; p < 0.001), and expressive language delays (OR 4.39; 95% CI: 1.15-16.77; p = 0.031). BPD infants have significantly poorer respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes, highlighting the need for intensive monitoring and follow-up care. While this retrospective study provides valuable insights, further prospective research is warranted to validate these findings and explore targeted interventions.