Influence of maternal and neonatal factors on bronchopulmonary dysplasia development

Abstract

To review epidemiological features of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and its relationship with maternal and neonatal conditions in a neonatal unit. Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study involving preterm newborns (NBs) with a birth weight lower than 1,500 g and gestational age under 37 weeks. Data was collected through a review of medical records of these newborns admitted to a neonatal unit. The study included 323 newborns with a mean birth weight of 1,161 g (± 231 g), gestational age between 24 and 36.5 weeks, with a BPD incidence of 17.6%. Among the NBs developing BPD, the mean of days using invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), non-invasive ventilation (NIMV), and supplemental oxygen was 17.6, 16.2, and 46.1 days, respectively, with a time significantly longer for those NBs developing BPD (p < 0.001). BPD occurred significantly more often in NBs with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). BPD incidence in this study was similar to that found in the literature. No BPD association with maternal infection and antenatal corticosteroid use was found. NBs receiving exogenous surfactant had a higher BPD incidence because they had lower BW and GA. Concomitant occurrence of PDA and BPD is associated with staying longer on IMV, NIMV and supplemental oxygen.