ABSTRACT
As documented by the other chapters in this monograph and numerous reviews, the consequences of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and its treatment are protean, serious, and complex. The formerly premature infants who consume much of their energy merely to breathe have little left for growth or other activity. Although the primary focus of management traditionally has been to relieve respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary hypertension, the question frequently arises of whether there is merit in trying to manipulate the cardiac dysfunction that often results from these two disturbances. To put this question in perspective, it is our intent here to review what is known or can be reasonably deduced concerning cardiovascular function in infants with BPD. We will then discuss the rationale for various therapies that have been used to ‘‘improve’’ cardiovascular function in patients with BPD or analogous problems. Finally, the chapter provides an opportunity to delineate unresolved issues that are ripe for study and potentially important for understanding the pathogenesis and management of BPD.
