Omega-3 Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Meta-analysis.

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that intervention with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (N-3 LCPUFAs), especially docosahexaenoic acid, can reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. However, conflicting results have been reported. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the effect of intervention with N-3 LCPUFAs on the incidence of BPD in preterm infants. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from database inception to October 1, 2018. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which the effect of intervention with N-3 LCPUFAs on the incidence of BPD was examined. Two independent authors conducted the literature search and data extraction. The risk ratio was determined, and subgroup analyses were performed. After applying the inclusion criteria, 14 RCTs with 3531 preterm infants were included in the study. Intervention with N-3 LCPUFAs revealed no significant effect on the incidence of BPD in preterm infants (risk ratio: 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.84-1.18; Z = 0.08; P = .93). Our secondary subgroup analysis, which was stratified by gestational age, birth weight, dosage of docosahexaenoic acid, and duration of intervention, also revealed no significant effects. The populations, protocols, and pharmaceutical ingredients of N-3 LCPUFAs vary among the included RCTs. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that intervention with N-3 LCPUFAs cannot prevent BPD in preterm infants. These findings provide no support for intervention with N-3 LCPUFAs in preterm infants.