BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA AND ITS HOME MANAGEMENT

Key words: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Chronic lung disease, Prematurity, Oxygen therapy, Diuretics,

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is considered one of the primary causes of chronic lung disease among infants. Pathogenesis is complex, being primarily influenced by prematurity, infection, supplementary oxygen and mechanical ventilation. Prevention involves appropriate care in order to avoid premature delivery, prenatal corticosteroids and surfactant replacement therapy. The in-hospital management of infants with BPD includes minimizing the duration of mechanical ventilation and avoiding the use of high ventilator settings and high inhaled oxygen concentrations. The primary care physician is involved in the management of the infant with BPD as part of a multidisciplinary team. Oxygen, diuretic, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, chest FKT and nutritional therapies are discussed in detail. Finally, current information on long-term prognosis and recommendations for the prevention of RSV infection are reviewed.