The Course of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Forty-one low weight premature infants treated with intermittent positive pressure ventilation in infancy were followed clinically and with chest radiography for 4 to 6 years. One child died during the period (sudden infantile death) and 2 others were not available for follow-up examination. The abnormal chest pattern of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) resolved completely or improved during the period; residual changes were found in 34 per cent of the cases. The main part of the resolution occurred during the first 2 years. Mild BPD was more prone to heal. The persisting parenchymal changes—interstitial fibrosis or areas of hyperinflation or both—were generally slight. The frequency of infection of the lower respiratory tract was increased during the first 2 years of life and was positively correlated to the severity of the pulmonary abnormalities. The frequency of infection dramatically decreased during the subsequent 2 years.