Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease of infancy): an update for the pediatrician

Abstract

This paper is a review of the changes that have occurred over the past 35 years in the clinical and radiologic presentation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), now more commonly referred to as chronic lung disease of infancy (CLD). Curent thoughts on etiology are only briefly discussed. The major focus is the management of the patient with CLD by the primary care physician once the patient has been discharged from hospital. Oxygen, diuretic, bronchodilator, antiinflammatory and nutritional therapies are discussed in detail. Finally, current information on long-term prognosis and recommendations for the prevention of RSV and influenza infections are reviewed.