Pediatria pre prax 2/2008

BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA – CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE IN PRETERM INFANTS

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a most common cause of chronic lung disease in infants. Histological lung changes are present in 5 days of life in preterm infants who had Hyaline Membrane Disease (HMD). Radiographic changes predicts lung functions abnormalities in long-term outcome. Infants with BPD develop repeated lower respiratory tract infection within first 2 years of life with possibility of respiratory failure and required hospitalization. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in premature infants.

Keywords: low birth weight newborn, oxygen dependency, chronic lung disease, long-term outcome, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).