Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Article
Healthy Lungs
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMay 16, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Arrest of Lung Development due to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
  • Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease due to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

What is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia is a lung condition that affects newborn babies. Neonates born prematurely, as well as those who are put on mechanical ventilation for breathing problems, are affected by this lung condition
  • The signs and symptoms of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia are breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and bluish discoloration of the skin. A chest x-ray or CT scan of the chest may help determine the extent of lung damage
  • Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes surfactant replacement and oxygen supplementation. Since the advent of surfactant (a compound that helps keep the lung’s air sacs open), the prognosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia has improved a lot

Who gets Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia affects prematurely born neonates whose lungs did not develop completely
  • There is no gender predilection observed; the condition affects both the male and female babies equally. Nevertheless, male infants tend to have more severe forms of the disease
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia is observed worldwide; there is no racial or ethnic predilection

What are the Risk Factors for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia are:

  • Premature babies: Usually born more than 10 weeks before their due date
  • Babies with low birth weight
  • Severe respiratory and lung infection
  • Congenital heart diseases

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia? (Etiology)

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia occurs in premature babies who receive high levels of oxygen or are put on mechanical ventilation for breathing difficulties
  • The oxygen which is delivered to the infants’ lung at high pressure can cause damage to their lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?

Signs and symptoms associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia are:

  • Breathing difficulties such as rapid, shallow breathing
  • Grunting sounds while breathing
  • Flaring of nostrils
  • Cough
  • Increased heart rate
  • Bluish discoloration of the skin

How is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia includes:

  • A complete evaluation of medical history along with a thorough physical exam
  • Chest x-ray and CT scan of the chest are done to observe the extent of lung damage
  • Arterial blood gases to check oxygen levels in blood

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?

The complications associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia are:

  • Frequent respiratory tract infections
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure

How is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treated?

Treatment measures for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia include:

  • Children with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia need supportive treatment in the hospital. The goal is to reduce further harm and help alleviate the problems for a better quality of life
  • Respiratory support is essential, and babies are required to put on mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to ensure proper oxygenation
  • Surfactant replacement: Surfactants are compounds that help make the air sacs in the lungs more stable
  • These children are usually fed through a tube that is passed into the stomach through the nose to ensure that they get a proper amount of calories
  • Sometimes steroids are given but their role is controversial and the risk of treatment may outweigh the benefits

How can Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia be Prevented?

In cases where the physician suspects a possibility of early delivery, the mother may be given corticosteroids. This is a medication which can speed up the production of surfactant in the baby. Surfactant helps keep the lungs open so babies can breathe normally.

For a healthy pregnancy and to prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia:

  • Visit your physician regularly during the pregnancy
  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

What is the Prognosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • Since the advent of surfactant, survival of premature infants have improved
  • Babies with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia get better slowly over time; however, they are at a higher risk of lung complications (such as lung infections and asthma) in the first 2 years of life
  •  Some infants with this lung condition might not survive

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia:

The risk of low intelligent quotient (IQ) is more than doubled in infants with severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, as compared to infants with a mild condition.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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