Understanding bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)

What is BPD?

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), also known as chronic lung disease of prematurity, involves abnormal development of lung tissue. It most often occurs among premature babies who are born 10 weeks early and weigh less than 1000 grams.   

What causes BPD?

Babies are not born with BPD, but rather develop it over time. Extremely premature babies are at a greater risk of developing BPD because they are born with immature and fragile lungs and may require oxygen therapy to help them breath. The types of respiratory support they may receive include mechanical ventilation, CPAP, or oxygen.  Although necessary, long-term use of these treatments, can irritate and inflame the delicate lungs of the baby. Babies that continue to need oxygen therapy or have respiratory problems at 28 days of life or past their due date are diagnosed with BPD. In addition to oxygen therapy, BPD can also be caused by  pneumonia and other infections.

How is BPD treated?

Treatment for BPD is focused on providing sufficient respiratory and oxygen support until the baby can breath on its own. Some babies are placed on continuous low pressure ventilation to minimize damage to the lungs. Babies with BPD can also be treated with medications such as bronchodilators to help keep airways open and diuretics to reduce excess fluid buildup in the lungs. They may also be given diuretics or corticosteroids.

Can BPD be prevented?

If your doctor knows you will be delivering your baby early, you will be given corticosteroid injections to help speed up surfactant production in your baby.1 Surfactant is a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs and helps keep the air sacs (aveoli) from sticking together.1

Source: Unless otherwise noted, all information is drawn from: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bpd.html. Accessed June 22, 2018.

1. Brochopulmonary Dysplasia. NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bronchopulmonary-dysplasia. Accessed June 26, 2018.