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Progressive central nervous system deterioration: a complication of advanced chronic lung disease of prematurity
Insights
Severe chronic lung disease in premature infants often leads to central nervous system deterioration. This deterioration can manifest cerebrally or in the brainstem, resulting in developmental loss or apnea and sudden death.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) poses significant challenges to infant health.
- Ventilatory support is a common intervention for premature infants with respiratory compromise.
- Neurological complications can arise in infants with severe CLD.
Abstract:
Fifteen premature infants with severe chronic lung disease of prematurity were treated with ventilatory assistance and continuous positive airway pressure for at least 28 days. Fourteen developed progressive central nervous system deterioration following right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Two patterns of deterioration were observed: (1) cerebral, with loss of developmental milestones, increasing a hypotonia, and eventual EEG deterioration and death; and (2) brainstem, with progressive apnea, bradycardia, or both, and sudden death or irreversible apnea.