Drug treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in Japan: questionnaire survey

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common complications in premature infants. Although several different drugs have been developed for BPD, there is a wide variation in the choice of drug used among facilities. The aim of this study was to carry out a survey of the current drugs used to treat BPD in Japan. Questionnaires regarding the current use of drugs for BPD were sent to tertiary neonatal units. The response rate was 80% (77/96). Most units used antenatal steroids and oral diuretics for the prevention and treatment of BPD, respectively. Only 4% used caffeine for prevention, whereas 88% used systemic corticosteroids for treatment. Few units used inhaled anticholinergics and i.v. vitamins for the prevention and treatment of BPD, respectively. It was found that the drugs used to treat BPD vary greatly among institutions. Further research is required to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines for BPD in premature infants.

Keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia; caffeine; drug; questionnaire; steroid.