ABSTRACT
The use of positive pressure ventilation and supplemental oxygen to treat preterm infants with acute respiratory failure has greatly contributed to the decline in neonatal mortality from respiratory distress syndrome. Most infants who require mechanical ventilation need treatment for only a few days and recover with few pulmonary sequelae. However, in some infants these therapies have apparently saved lives at the expense of lungs and are largely responsible for the emergence of a new form of chronic lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The chapter deals with BPD — its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Although the pathogenesis of BPD is incompletely understood there is general agreement that high concentrations of inspired oxygen and ventilation with positive pressure are major etiologic factors. The best therapy for any disease is prevention, and over the past few years several innovative approaches have been proposed to prevent or ameliorate the course of BPD.
