Abstract

Forty years after its initial description, the clinical definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has changed but its etiology and therapy are still debated. 1, 2 The incidence of BPD is greatest in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants < 28 weeks gestation. 1 A decrease in BPD severity has accompanied advances in care, including surfactant therapy but primary prevention of BPD by avoiding premature birth remains elusive. Targets for decreasing the incidence of BPD include reducing oxygen exposure, avoiding lung infection / inflammation and avoiding ventilator induced lung injury.