Bronchopulmonary

Dysplasia

What is it?
Need for supplemental oxygen support
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) that lasts longer
lungs are not fully formed
cannot make enough surfactant
Lack of oxygen:
can lead to damage of brain and other organs
need for oxygen therapy
need for nasal continuous positive airway pressure
(NCPAP) or ventilators

Who does it affect?

Infants
primarily born 10 weeks before their due date
weigh less than 2 pounds
have breathing problems
Most babies born with RSD, but dont have to be
Infections before or shortly after birth can also
contribute to development of BPD
Numbers now higher than in the past

Course of BPD
Can be a long term condition
Some require ventilation for several months and
may require oxygen when they go home from
hospital
Most babies can be weaned from oxygen by the
end of the first year
Can lead to other respiratory complications later
in life

BPD and Impact on Swallowing

Feeding tubes can increase reflux
Ventilator support can cause damage to
structures in the swallowing mechanism
Extensive time on ventilator support may
lead to a tracheostomy

More Impacts on Swallowing

Extended time on ventilators and feeding
tubes may result in aversion to things in the
mouth
Studies have shown that babies with BPD
have decreased coordination with suckswallow-breathe
May not tolerate aspiration as well

Treatment for BPD

Corticosteroid injections may be given to mother before
birth and to infant within first few days of birth
Surfactant replacement therapy
Breathing support (NCPAP or a ventilator)
Oxygen therapy
Medications to prevent fluid build up in the lungs
Physical therapy

References
Costa, S., Schans, C., Zweens, M., Boelema, S., Meij, E., Boerman, M., & Bos, A. (2010). The
development of sucking patterns in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Neonatology, (98), 268-277.
Gien, J., & Kinsella, J. (2013). Pathogenesis and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 305-313.
Lee, J., Chang, Y., Yoo, H., Ahn, S., Seo, H., Choi, S., . . . Park, W. (2011). Swallowing
dysfunction in very low birth weight infants with oral feeding desaturation. World Journal of
Pediatrics, 7(4), 337-343.
Mccain, G., Moral, T., Duncan, R., Fontaine, J., & Pino, L. (2012). Transition From Gavage to
Nipple Feeding for Preterm Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Nursing
Research, 61(6), 380-387.
Mizuno, K., Nishida, Y., Taki, M., Hibino, S., Murase, M., Sakurai, M., & Itabashi, K. (2007).
Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Suckle With Weak Pressures to Maintain
Breathing During Feeding. Pediatrics, 120(4), E1035-E1042.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bpd