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Published on: March 12, 2020
Risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia among preterm infants born before thirty-two weeks of gestation in
Maram Z Algharabeh1, Mu'taz M Dreidi2, Najwa M Subuh3
1Faculty of Graduate Studies, Master Program in Nursing Neonate, Arab American University, Ramallah 240, Palestine.
Insights
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants is linked to low birth weight, prematurity, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and oxygen exposure. Sepsis and intrauterine growth restriction also contribute significantly to BPD development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a prevalent chronic lung disease in premature infants, impacting long-term respiratory, neurodevelopmental, and growth outcomes.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for mitigating BPD's impact on vulnerable preterm populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- This study aimed to pinpoint key risk factors for BPD in preterm infants (born before 32 weeks gestation) within private hospitals in the North West Bank, Palestine.
- The research focused on identifying preventable or manageable contributors to BPD.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative, retrospective cohort study involved 119 preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestation in tertiary private hospitals.
- Data on demographics, maternal history, birth/neonatal factors, respiratory support, and infections were collected and analyzed using SPSS, including chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for BPD included maternal preeclampsia (P=0.045) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
- Common maternal conditions were preeclampsia (44.5%) and eclampsia (47.9%). Neonatal complications included PDA (58.5%), retinopathy of prematurity (31%), and sepsis (60.5%).
- All infants required mechanical ventilation (MV) and surfactant; 75.6% needed immediate intubation due to severe respiratory distress.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight, gestational age, prolonged MV, and oxygen exposure are significant BPD risk factors.
- Sepsis and intrauterine growth restriction further contribute to BPD development.
- Optimized respiratory management, early detection, and enhanced prenatal/neonatal care are vital for reducing BPD incidence and severity.
Background:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease among premature infants, with long-term consequences for respiratory health, neurodevelopment, and overall growth.
Aim:
To identify the major risk factors for BPD among preterm infants born before thirty-two weeks of gestation in private hospitals in the North West Bank, Palestine.
Methods:
A quantitative, retrospective cohort study was conducted in tertiary private hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care units in the North West Bank. The study population included all premature infants born at < 32 weeks gestation, with a total sample size of 119 cases. Data were collected using a structured, self-developed tool comprising five sections: Demographic data, maternal history, birth and neonatal history, respiratory support and interventions, and infection/complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics, means, n (%) and inferential statistics, including the χ 2 test, to examine associations between maternal, neonatal, and clinical variables and the occurrence of BPD.
Results:
The mean birth weight of the infants was 1257.45 g. Most infants (88.2%) were born between 28-32 weeks of gestation, and 65.5% were male. Significant associations were found between BPD and maternal preeclampsia (P = 0.045) as well as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Common maternal conditions included preeclampsia (44.5%) and eclampsia (47.9%), while prevalent neonatal complications included PDA (58.5%), retinopathy of prematurity (31%), and sepsis (60.5%). All infants received mechanical ventilation (MV) and were administered surfactant. Notably, 75.6% required immediate intubation, reflecting severe respiratory distress.
Conclusion:
This study identified low birth weight, gestational age, prolonged MV, and oxygen exposure as significant risk factors for BPD. Additional contributors included sepsis and intrauterine growth restriction. The findings underscore the importance of early detection, optimized respiratory management, and improved prenatal and neonatal care strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of BPD in preterm infants.
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