Early histological changes of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension may precede clinical diagnosis in preterm infants

Early Hum Dev. 2022 Aug:171:105612. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2022.105612. Epub 2022 Jun 23.

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), the commonest complication of prematurity, is defined by treatment with oxygen for ≥28 days. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often coexists with BPD and is associated with increased mortality. In 42 autopsies, histological changes of BPD and PH were demonstrated in 25 % and 65 % respectively of preterm infants <28 days of age, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Autopsy; BPD; Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Clinical definition; Extremely premature; Histological; Histology; PH; Postmortem; Premature; Pulmonary hypertension.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia* / complications
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia* / diagnosis
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / diagnosis
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary* / etiology
  • Infant
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases*