The course of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A radiographic follow-up.
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.
D000403:Airway Resistance; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007384:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Breathing / Q000009:adverse effects; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology