Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Alternative names:

BPD

Treatment:

Additional ventilator support is usually required to deliver pressure to the lungs to keep lung tissue inflated, and to deliver supplemental oxygen. Pressures and oxygen concentrations are slowly reduced as the infant tolerates. When the infant is weaned from the ventilator, oxygen may continue by a mask or nasal cannula for several weeks to months.

Infants are usually fed by tubes inserted into the stomach. Extra calories are needed due to the increased need for calories with the effort of breathing. Fluids may be restricted, and the infant may be given diuretics to keep the lungs from filling with fluid.

Parents of these infants require emotional support as the resolution of the disease is often very slow, and hospitalization may be prolonged.

Expectations (prognosis):

Some infants may not survive with this condition. Improvement is generally gradual. Some infants may require oxygen therapy for many months.

Complications:

Babies who have experienced BPD are at a greater risk for developing recurrent respiratory infections requiring hospitalization (see pneumonia).

Calling your health care provider:

If your baby had BPD, watch for any breathing problems; call your health care provider if any signs of a respiratory infection are present.