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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; part of the spectrum of chronic lung disease of infancy) is a chronic lung disease which affects premature infants. Premature (preterm) infants who require treatment with supplemental oxygen or require long-term oxygen are at a higher risk. [ 1 ]
The lungs may also appear hyperinflated. [5] It is a diagnosis of exclusion as it is a benign condition that can have symptoms and signs similar to more serious syndromes, such as respiratory distress or meconium aspiration. [2] In distinction to transient tachypnea, respiratory distress syndrome is more common in premature infants.
The lungs of infants with respiratory distress syndrome are developmentally deficient in a material called surfactant, which helps prevent the collapse of the terminal air spaces (the future site of alveolar development) throughout the normal cycle of inhalation and exhalation. This deficiency of surfactant is related to inhibition from the ...
Central apnea is quite common and can be found in healthy, full-term infants for short periods of time before breathing patterns in the infant stabilize. [4] In premature infants, central apnea is attributed to an underdeveloped respiratory system which results in decreased response to higher carbon dioxide levels and difficulty breathing. [1]
Antenatal steroids have also been shown to have definite beneficial effect in treating the condition of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). [8] Similar to its effects on preterm birth, research evidence suggests that the administration of antenatal steroids to patients with PPROM reduces risks of neonatal mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage and respiratory distress syndrome.
Numerous cases of bilateral pulmonary agenesis, where both lungs have been affected, have been reported previously. [19] On the other hand, the hypertrophy of the remaining lung to compensate for the lost lung is common in the case of unilateral pulmonary agenesis. [22] However, the mortality rate still exceeds 50%. Most causes of death are ...
Adults born preterm have higher all-cause mortality rates as compared to full-term adults. Premature birth is associated with a 1.2x to 1.6x increase in all-cause mortality rates during early to mid-adulthood. Those born extremely prematurely (22–27 weeks) have an even higher mortality rate of 1.9x to 4.0x. [3]
The lungs are one of the last organs to mature in the womb; because of this, many premature babies spend the first days and weeks of their lives on ventilators. Therefore, a significant overlap exists between preterm birth and prematurity. Generally, preterm babies are premature and term babies are mature.