Prevalence, Prevention and Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Margaret A Gilfillan; Michelle J Mejia; Vineet Bhandari

doi:10.2147/RRN.S405985

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Review

Prevalence, Prevention and Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Authors Gilfillan MA, Mejia MJ , Bhandari V

Received 1 September 2023

Accepted for publication 8 December 2023

Published 4 January 2024 Volume 2024:14 Pages 1—33

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/RRN.S405985

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2

Editor who approved publication: Dr Robert Schelonka

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Margaret A Gilfillan,¹ Michelle J Mejia,¹ Vineet Bhandari²

¹Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; ²Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper/Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA

Correspondence: Vineet Bhandari, Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, One Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA, Tel +1-856-342-2000 Extn 1006156, Fax +1-856-342-8007, Email [email protected]

Abstract: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex pulmonary condition that arises in preterm infants secondary to a constellation of adverse exposures contributing to impaired lung development and repair. In many developed countries, the incidence of BPD continues to rise despite the increasing use of evidence-based therapies and efforts to minimize adverse post-natal exposures. Refinement of perinatal care practices that reduce mortality in the most immature infants is likely contributing to this trend; however, a growing population of survivors with respiratory morbidity significantly burdens individuals and health-care systems. Racial and socioeconomic disparities also result in unequal distribution of morbidity within society. In this review, we will outline trends in the incidence of BPD over the last decade and review important risk factors for adverse pulmonary outcomes. The consequences of BPD for long-term health will be described, followed by a comprehensive summary of evidence-based therapies and potential future treatments that can be applied to reduce the incidence, and the prevalence of BPD.

Keywords: chronic lung disease, prematurity, invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive respiratory support, surfactant, steroids, oxygen, inflammation

Introduction

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was first described over 50 years ago as a predominantly fibrocystic lung disease occurring in late preterm infants requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and high concentrations of O₂ for management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).^1,2 Subsequent advances such as surfactant replacement and antenatal steroid administration have altered the disease phenotype³ and allowed for increases in long-term survival of extremely preterm infants.^4,5 Although our understanding of the patho-mechanisms of BPD has increased rapidly in the last two decades, there remains a paucity of therapeutic interventions proven to reduce the incidence of both short- and long-term respiratory dysfunction.^6,7 This situation is reflected by reports indicating that the incidence of BPD is increasing in several high-income countries,^4,5,8 often despite increased adoption of evidence-based practices. As BPD is associated with significant long-term morbidity^9–11 and increased health-care costs,¹² the lack of significant progress in preventing this most common complication of prematurity has serious implications for individual and population health.

Prevalence of BPD-related morbidity in pediatric and adult populations is challenging to estimate, as individuals born preterm without BPD may also demonstrate differences in lung function¹³ and increased respiratory morbidity.^14,15 The term post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD) can be used to describe ongoing morbidity in survivors of preterm birth. While BPD remains an important risk factor for PPRD, other factors such as lower gestational age (GA)¹⁶ and birth weight (BW),¹⁴ respiratory infections early in life¹⁷ and maternal smoking^14,18 are also important. The first part of this review will address current trends in the incidence of BPD and describe the impact of PPRD on individuals and health-care systems. The second part summarizes evidence-based interventions and approaches used to prevent and manage early, evolving and established BPD.

Prevalence of BPD

Trends in the Incidence of BPD and Associated Risk Factors

Over the last 5–10 years, increases in survival continue to be reported in extremely low BW (ELBW) infants,^4,5,8,19 including those born between 22 and 23 weeks GA.^4,5,20,21 Although reductions in mortality have been accompanied by decreases in other neonatal morbidities such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)⁴ and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH),⁴ increasing trends in the incidence of BPD have been recognized in several populations.^4,5,8 The most recent report on care practices and outcomes of extremely preterm infants cared for in hospitals that are part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network (NRN) described an overall increase in BPD from 44.7% in 2008–2012 to 49.8% in 2013–2018 (adjusted difference 4.3%, 95% CI: 2.8–5.8%).⁴ Outcomes reported by the NRN of Japan that included 19,370 infants born between 22 and 27 weeks GA demonstrated a significant increase in BPD from 41.4% (95% confidence interval or CI: 36.4–46.4%) in 2003 to 52% (95% CI: 48.2–55.9%) in 2016.⁵ The composite outcome of BPD and mortality prior to 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) also increased from 52.5% (99% CI: 48–57%) in 2003 to 55.9% (99% CI: 52.2–59.5%) in 2016, indicating that improvements in survival rates may not be sufficient to explain the increase in pulmonary morbidity.⁵ Of concern, a lack of improvement in BPD rates has been noted despite more frequent use of practices that have been linked to reductions in respiratory morbidity. These practices include decreased prophylactic administration of surfactant,²² increased use of post-natal steroids,²³ decreased exposure to IMV⁵ and increased use of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS).^24,25 It appears that the relative weight of different risk factors and injurious exposures need to be further explored with ongoing refinement of treatment strategies.

Several recent studies have identified important risk factors associated with adverse respiratory outcomes (Table 1). Demographic characteristics such as low GA, low BW and male sex continue to be strongly associated with increased risk for BPD.^4,5,26–29 Duration of exposure to IMV continues to be a strong predictor of adverse outcomes.^27–31 Specifically, IMV exposure in the delivery room (DR)²⁴ and first 3–7 days of life^27,28,32 has been linked with increased risk for BPD. These observations indicate that this time-period is of particular importance in determining long-term pulmonary outcomes.³³ Adverse consequences of early exposure to inflammation are reflected in associations between chorioamnionitis,⁵ elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)³⁰ and presence of Gram-negative organisms³⁰ or Ureaplasma species (spp.)³⁴ in respiratory cultures with BPD. Placental insufficiency is linked to the development of BPD and BPD associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH).³⁵ Gestational diabetes mellitus has also been associated with increased risk for BPD³⁰ and BPD-PH.³⁶

Table 1 Summary of Studies Evaluating Trends in BPD Incidence and/or Relationships with Associated Risk Factors

The presence of risk factors can be used to identify infants with a high likelihood of developing BPD³² and specific adverse pulmonary phenotypes such as BPD-PH. Retrospective studies can only demonstrate associations between exposures and outcomes and not causation. Parallel efforts in pre-clinical research to identify the specific molecular pathways driving these observations are also critical for the development of novel treatments.⁶

Limitations of Current Clinical Definitions of BPD

As BPD continues to be defined by clinician-prescribed support at 36 weeks^37–39,43 or 40 weeks⁴¹ PMA, differences in the use of respiratory support modalities or changes in criteria may result in alterations in reported incidence.^44,45 The NRN 2019 definition developed by Jensen et al³⁷ has been reported to be better than previously used criteria^38,39,43 in predicting long-term respiratory^37,44,46 and neurodevelopmental^37,47 morbidity, although this has not been consistently seen across all studies.^48–50 Grading of BPD severity using NRN 2019 definition was found to correlate more closely with health-care costs such as increased length of stay, costs related to the initial admission and hospital charges sustained in the first year of life⁴⁵ than either the NICHD 2018⁴³ or the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) definitions.⁵¹ Severity of BPD by NRN 2019 definition does not, however, constitute the only risk factor for PPRD. When the ratio of peripheral oxygen saturation and fraction of inspired O₂ (FiO₂) was measured in 1005 preterm infants at 36 weeks PMA, lower values were significantly associated with a greater degree of prematurity in infants without BPD.¹⁶ These findings indicate that a greater degree of respiratory immaturity at birth could have a significant impact on ongoing pulmonary function. Respiratory viral and bacterial infections sustained early in life can increase risk for pulmonary morbidity,⁵² while socioeconomic disparities have also been linked to increased frequency of symptoms and health-care utilization in those born preterm.^53–55 Non-Hispanic black infants and those receiving public insurance were found to have increased odds of tracheostomy placement for BPD relative to non-Hispanic white infants or infants with private coverage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)1.25, 95% CI: 1.09–1.43) and (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09–1.43), respectively.⁵⁶ Active efforts to both further characterize and address factors driving interracial and socioeconomic disparities in pulmonary outcomes are urgently needed.

Infants who remain on respiratory support at 36 weeks PMA have been shown to vary widely in terms of their clinical presentation and response to therapy.⁵⁷ Specific BPD phenotypes characterized by central airway malacia and PH are disproportionately associated with morbidity and mortality.^58,59 There remains a continued need for an objective consensus definition for BPD that allows for more accurate prediction of long-term outcomes and benchmarking between institutions.³³

Impact of BPD on Individuals and Healthcare Costs

Analysis of data from a US insurance commercial claims database revealed that 29% of infants born ≤28 weeks GA required one of the following in the first year after discharge: pulmonary medications for ≥30 days, supplemental O₂, hospital readmission or emergency room (ER) visit for respiratory indications.¹⁵ BPD was present in 86.7% of these infants and was associated with markedly elevated health-care costs.¹⁵ Extrapolation of this data to the total US population of infants born at ≤28 weeks in 2015 suggests that nearly 8000 extremely preterm infants would be expected to sustain respiratory complications each year.

Within the population of infants meeting criteria for BPD, there exist several, often overlapping, clinical phenotypes that are differentially associated with adverse outcomes.^58,60,61 Impairment of alveolar development that leads to a paucity of abnormally distended airspaces typically presents with impairment of gas exchange and prolonged dependency on supplemental O₂.^60,61 BPD-PH affects up to 25% of infants with moderate-to-severe BPD⁶² and is associated with both increased morbidity and mortality.^58,62 Prolonged exposure to invasive positive pressure can disrupt normal central airway development, leading to varying degrees of tracheomalacia, bronchomalacia and tracheomegaly.⁶³ In one multi-center study population, tracheobronchomalacia was associated with longer duration of IMV, greater likelihood of tracheostomy placement and increased incidence of co-morbidities such as gastroesophageal reflux and pneumonia.⁵⁹ Findings from a single-center study also identified central airway disease along with BPD-PH as phenotypes associated with higher rates of tracheostomy placement, use of pulmonary vasodilator therapies and mortality prior to discharge.⁵⁸ Other clinical phenotypes that have been described include interstitial lung disease and peripheral airway involvement that is associated with increased airway resistance and wheezing in later life.^57,60,61

Although the prevalence of symptomatic PPRD decreases after the first 3 years of life, studies continue to demonstrate that children and adults with BPD have reduced exercise tolerance,⁶⁴ lower quality of life scores,^65,66 increased airflow obstruction^67,68 and earlier decline in pulmonary function tests (PFTs).^67,69 An obstructive pattern of lung disease, characterized by a reduced functional expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV₁) or a reduced ratio of FEV₁ to forced vital capacity (FVC) is the phenotype most frequently identified in pediatric and adult survivors of prematurity.⁵² Clinically, increased airway resistance likely contributes to the elevated frequency of asthmatic symptoms noted in preterm-born children,^15,70,71 which in turn, contribute to increased usage of medications such as bronchodilators,⁷¹ inhaled and systemic steroids⁷² and antibiotics,⁷⁰ in addition to more frequent hospitalizations for respiratory indications.^15,70,72

Continued alveolar development in early childhood typically results in improvement in symptoms and weaning from respiratory support;³³ however, differences in lung function remain persistent throughout adolescence and early adulthood.^73,74 A recent study that compared the exercise capacity, lung function and habits of children with BPD to term-born controls revealed that while oxygen consumption parameters by body weight were comparable between groups, children with BPD demonstrated a greater degree of airflow limitation.⁷⁵ Children with BPD achieved lower levels of workload on cardiopulmonary exercise test and were over twice as likely to report difficulties in physical exercise and symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath on exertion than term-born controls.⁷⁵ These findings indicate that while alveolar growth may result in improvements in gas exchange, the involvement of peripheral airways may have lasting consequences for future cardiopulmonary and metabolic health. Patterns of early decline in FEV₁/FVC in adolescents and young adults with either a history of BPD or extreme prematurity raise concern that PPRD may be a precursor to early development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in some patients with severe parenchymal involvement.^74,76 Severe BPD is linked with neurodevelopmental impairment^47,77 which places an additional burden on patients and caregivers. Recent studies continue to report associations between BPD and neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants,^47,78 toddlers,⁷⁸ school-age children⁷⁹ and adolescents.⁸⁰

Both respiratory and neurological morbidities associated with BPD contribute to marked increases in health-care costs.^12,79 A retrospective study utilizing data obtained from infants born in California between 2008 and 2011 calculated median hospitalization costs during the first year of life for a <30 week GA infant with BPD to be $377,871 compared with $175,836 for an infant without BPD.⁸¹ Severe BPD was associated with a median total incremental admission cost of $35,773 (95% CI: $32,018 - $39,528) making this second most expensive complication of prematurity after surgical NEC.⁸² A microsimulation model based on mortality and morbidity data noted in populations of preterm infants with and without BPD estimated that patients with BPD would incur an average lifetime healthcare cost in Canadian Dollars (CAD) of $716,912 (95% CI: CAD $416,000 - $1,275,000).⁹ Coordinated efforts to prevent BPD both through optimization of existing treatment strategies and through the development of new therapies therefore have strong potential to conserve healthcare spending.

Prevention of BPD

Recent updated evidence-based guidelines are included in Table 2, which is adapted from recommendations we have previously published.³³ While individual interventions by themselves are important, it is critical that they are adopted in a systematic manner with multi-disciplinary team input and involvement. Quality improvement (QI) projects provide critical guidance on how approaches can be combined and implemented to improve local/institutional outcomes. Table 3 provides a summary of the results of several recently published QI projects that described success in improving respiratory outcomes.^83–85 Each QI team placed an emphasis on optimization of DR management with standardized, GA specific protocols for surfactant replacement, initiation of caffeine, NRS and invasive ventilatory support.^83–85 The results of these and other recent QI projects demonstrate the impact of systematic initiation of GA-specific approaches that begin at birth. Integration of evidence-based practices described in the following section using a QI-based framework is therefore strongly recommended.

Table 2 A Summary of Evidence-Based Recommendations for Prevention and Management of BPD

Table 3 A Summary of the Strategies and Results of three Recent QI Projects That Successfully Reduced Adverse Pulmonary Outcome

Prenatal Strategies

Exposure to antenatal steroids (ANS) is associated with reductions in multiple complications including RDS, IVH, NEC and mortality.¹²⁶ These benefits have been shown to be relevant in populations born at <24 weeks GA.¹²⁷ The early advantages gained by prenatal steroid exposure have not, however, been shown to result in improvement in long-term respiratory outcomes.¹²⁸ Of note, receipt of repeated courses of ANS in the absence of preterm delivery has been linked to adverse respiratory and neurological outcomes in term infants.¹²⁹ Current European perinatal guidelines advocate for routine administration of ANS at 24–33⁺⁶ weeks gestation in pregnant women deemed at high risk for preterm delivery in the next 7 days.¹³⁰ ANS can be offered between 22 and 24 weeks GA when active management of the infant is anticipated.¹³⁰

DR Strategies: Optimal Diagnosis and Management of RDS

Pooled meta-analysis data from four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with prophylactic surfactant administration for infants 24–28 weeks GA,^131–134 showed an association between early CPAP and reduced risk for BPD [relative risk (RR) 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83–0.98, risk difference (RD) −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08 −0.00), number needed to treat (NNT)=25].^131,132,135 Given the strong link between early exposure to IMV and development of BPD,²⁷ a greater advantage might be expected. Rates of CPAP failure approaching 50%^131–134 were thought to explain the small effect size. Receipt of surfactant within 2 hr of birth is associated with significant reductions in the risk for BPD and the combined outcome of BPD and mortality.⁸⁸ Delayed surfactant administration in patients who failed CPAP, may therefore, have contributed to lung injury.¹³⁶ Factors predicting CPAP failure include lower GA, lower BW,^90,91 lack of receipt of ANS,⁹⁰ evidence of severe RDS on chest radiograph,⁹⁰ and FiO₂ ≥0.3.⁹⁰ CPAP failure is associated with a significantly increased risk of pneumothorax, BPD and mortality^90,91,137 suggesting that earlier interventions could be beneficial. The current European guidelines recommend surfactant administration for FiO₂ ≥0.3 in infants supported by CPAP;¹³⁸ however, more accurate predictive tools are needed. In USA, RDS-NExT workshop conducted by an expert panel of health-care providers has recently made specific recommendations for surfactant administration based on a clinical score, respiratory support status, FiO₂ requirement and blood gas values.⁸⁹ Lung ultrasound (US) performed at the bedside has been shown to be effective in diagnosing RDS and predicting need for surfactant treatment.¹³⁹ While this approach shows promise, there is currently no direct evidence of any long-term impact in reducing BPD.

Techniques that allow for timely receipt of surfactant while minimizing exposure to IMV have been associated with reduced risk for BPD.^51,140 The “Intubate, Surfactant, Extubate” (InSurE) strategy describes delivery of surfactant through an endotracheal tube (ETT) after which the tube is removed quickly and the infant placed back on NRS. Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) involves delivery of surfactant into the airway via a thin flexible catheter during spontaneous breathing. Recent meta-analyses of RCTs comparing LISA to either InSurE or intubation with continued IMV reported both a decreased risk of BPD and a reduction in the combined outcome of BPD and mortality.^140,141 Although pooled results from clinical trials suggest an advantage for LISA over InSurE, a direct comparison between these two methods in extremely preterm infants has not been made, as in many investigations a variable duration of IMV occurred following the procedure. There have also been concerns raised regarding the safety and effectiveness of LISA, after a recent RCT showed a trend towards increased mortality in infants 25–26 weeks GA who received minimally invasive surfactant therapy.¹⁴² These findings are in contrast with those of a large retrospective study of 6542 infants 22–26⁺⁶ weeks GA cared for in centers that are part of the German Neonatal Network.¹⁴³ In this population, LISA was associated with reduced risks of all-cause death [OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61–0.9.0; p=0.02], BPD (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.62–0.78; p<0.001), and BPD or death (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.72; p<0.001).¹⁴³ Reduced risk for BPD and mortality remained significant in all GA groups even when adjusted for adverse perinatal characteristics.¹⁴³ LISA has been readily adopted in Germany and other European countries as part of a bundled approach to transitional care that includes delayed cord clamping to support hemodynamic transition, minimal handling, and avoidance of procedural pain.¹⁴⁴ Of note, Germany is one of the few developed countries where a decrease in the incidence of BPD has occurred despite increases in survival.¹⁹ The context in which LISA is used, together with the skill level of the clinician administering therapy are likely to have an important influence on outcome. Careful investment in training and guidelines for safe use of LISA are, however, necessary to avoid complications.¹⁴⁵

DR Strategies: Use of O₂ During DR Resuscitation

The amount of O₂ required during DR resuscitation and during the first few hours of life has been linked to increased risk for BPD. To date, there remains little evidence linking specific regimens of O₂ titration with reduced risk for BPD. Failure to achieve saturations >85% and/or heart rate >100 bpm by 5 min of life was linked with higher risk of both BPD and death in a recent multi-center RCT.¹⁴⁶ Therefore, clinicians attending deliveries of extreme preterm infants should approach resuscitation with the goal of achieving cardio-pulmonary stability within this timeframe.

Early Course: First Week of Life – Early NRS Strategies to Reduce BPD

Retrospective study data suggest early attempts at extubation have potential to prevent BPD in the most immature infants.^147,148 However, other reports indicate that the success of these attempts plays a pivotal role in determining outcome.¹⁴⁹ Hence, efforts to maximize success of extubation are important; however, the most optimal NRS strategy for use in preterm infants at risk of BPD has not been conclusively identified. In “Bubble CPAP”, continuous distending pressure is generated by submersion of the expiratory limb of the circuit in varying levels of water.¹⁵⁰ The variability in pressure caused by bubbling in the water-seal chamber has been linked to enhanced alveolar recruitment and surfactant production in animal studies.¹⁵⁰ Results from pooled RCTs have not, however, shown any advantage of bubble CPAP above flow-driver delivered CPAP in terms of reducing pneumothorax or BPD.¹⁵¹ Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a technique where an increased positive inspiratory pressure (PIP) is provided transiently, typically between 20 and 40 times a minute, over a set of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP).¹¹⁶ These cycles are not synchronized with the infant’s spontaneous breaths but act to improve recruitment of small airspaces and enhance respiratory drive.¹¹⁶ Although meta-analysis data suggest that NIPPV may be superior to CPAP in terms of prevention of BPD and/or the composite outcome of BPD and mortality,⁵¹ this advantage may be due to the higher mean airway pressure (MAP) generated by intermittent rises in PIP rather than the support strategy itself. Increased use of NIPPV was not associated with increased survival without moderate-to-severe BPD in a recent multicenter cohort study evaluating the outcomes of 6735 VLBW infants who did not require intubation during their NICU stay.¹⁵² In a recent Cochrane review, early NIPPV (ie within 6 hr after birth) reduced the risk of respiratory failure and the need for intubation and IMV in very preterm infants (GA ≥28 weeks) with RDS, compared to CPAP. It was also noted that there was a slight decrease in the rate of BPD (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.92).⁹² However, this may not apply to extremely preterm infants that are most at-risk of BPD.⁹² Hence, additional studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of NIPPV in preventing BPD in extreme preterm populations.

Nasal high-frequency ventilation (NHFV) employs rapid oscillatory changes in pressure around a set MAP to enhance recruitment of small airways in preterm infants.¹⁵⁰ This technique, although less widely used than either NIPPV and nasal or NCPAP, has been shown to be a safe option in preterm infants. Results from a recent RCT comparing NHFV to CPAP and NIPPV as a post-extubation support modality, suggested that NHFV may be more effective in reducing the duration of IMV than either CPAP or NIPPV.¹⁵³ Subgroup analysis of participants in the treatment group who either were born at <29 weeks GA and/or had evidence of a more severe degree of respiratory failure demonstrated significantly reduced incidence of moderate-severe BPD relative to infants in the CPAP group (range, −12% to −10%; NNT 8–9 infants).¹⁵⁴ These results suggest that NHFV is safe and may have some advantages over more frequently used NRS modalities.

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) utilizes electrical signals from the diaphragm detected by a sensor implanted in a specially designed feeding tube to adjust the intensity of inflations and synchronize these cycles to the patient’s own respiratory effort.¹⁵⁰ This strategy can be applied to infants receiving IMV or NRS (non-invasive ventilation or NIV-NAVA). Small crossover trials have shown that NIV-NAVA is associated with reduced work of breathing and improved oxygenation at a lower delivered PIP when compared with other NRS strategies.^155,156 Two small prospective RCTs associated NIV-NAVA with reduced rates of extubation failure when compared to CPAP¹⁵⁷ and NIPPV;¹⁵⁸ however, no long-term benefits in terms of a reduction in BPD have been noted.¹⁵⁷ While NIV-NAVA has been adopted with apparent success in several centers,^83,159 evidence from larger prospective trials is needed in order to demonstrate a clear advantage of NIV-NAVA over other NRS modalities.

Early Course: First Week of Life – Early Invasive Respiratory Support Modalities

Infants who require initiation of IMV during the first week of life represent a group at high risk for BPD.^27,31 Delivery of excessive tidal volume is known to be highly injurious to the developing lung and opening of atelectatic areas also leads to a potent inflammatory response.¹⁶⁰ Volume targeted conventional mechanical ventilator modalities aim to avoid both excessive airspace distension and collapse through automated adjustment of PIPs to achieve a set tidal volume. Interventions that lead to improvements in lung compliance such as surfactant administration can therefore lead to automated weaning of inspiratory pressure. Meta-analysis data indicate that volume targeted ventilation is associated with reduced risk for BPD when compared to pressure limited ventilation.⁹³ Retrospective study data suggest that this advantage may also be applicable to infants born between 22 and 25 weeks GA, therefore a volume targeted strategy on a conventional ventilator is a reasonable first-line approach in this population.¹⁶¹ High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) represents an alternative lung protective support strategy in preterm infants at risk for BPD. Movement of a piston is used to generate rapid low volume oscillations that are superimposed over a constant MAP at rates of 300–900 cycles per minute.¹⁶² A Cochrane review comparing HFOV to conventional IMV demonstrated an association between reduced risk of BPD and HFOV use (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78–0.96) but increased risk for pulmonary air leak (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05–1.34).⁹⁴ BPD outcomes were noted to be highly inconsistent between studies even after subgroup analysis was performed to take into account the use of different lung recruitment strategies.⁹⁴ As most of the trials compared HFOV to pressure limited conventional IMV, it is not clear if this strategy offers superior lung protection to volume targeted IMV strategies. A follow-up study of participants in the HIFI trial¹⁶³ demonstrated an association between HFOV and improved small airway function at 11–14 years.¹⁶⁴ No significant differences in lung function parameters were, however, noted when trial subjects were assessed at 18–21 years of age.¹⁶⁵ Despite these caveats, primary use of HFOV has been adopted as a QI bundle intervention in several units that have successfully reduced their BPD rates.^83,84 Earlier initiation of a higher frequency (15–20 Hz), tidal volume limited HFOV strategy as a rescue therapy for preterm infants failing conventional IMV was associated with increased survival free of grades 2/3 BPD (OR 2.93, 95% CI: 1.41–6.05) and reduced hospital admissions and respiratory treatments post discharge (aOR 2.33, 95% CI: 1.10–4.93).¹⁶⁶ Further application of this HFOV-volume guarantee approach may be helpful in limiting early lung damage and preventing BPD; however, efficacy of this modality is yet to be evaluated in a prospective trial.

High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) has been frequently considered by several centers as an alternative lung protective strategy for use in high-risk preterm infants.¹⁵⁹ PEEP delivered by a conventional ventilator is used to maintain lung recruitment, while high-velocity pulsations generated by a pinch valve are delivered via a second ETT attachment.¹⁶² These pulsations generate turbulence and encourage molecular diffusion to occur in small airspaces. Although there is no evidence from prospective RCTs that primary application of HFJV prevents BPD, centers that use this strategy have reported improved outcomes, particularly in the most immature infants 22–25 weeks GA.^167,168

A proactive approach to weaning support should be strongly considered as continued IMV dependency on day of life (DOL) 7 has been consistently associated with increased risk for BPD.^28,148,169 Use of NAVA has been associated with more rapid weaning of the ventilator when compared to the use of pressure limited strategies,¹⁷⁰ suggesting this could be a helpful transitional strategy. Readiness for extubation should be considered carefully in the most immature infants, given the association with early failure and multiple adverse outcomes.¹⁴⁹

Early Course: First Week of Life – Caffeine

Caffeine is a methylxanthine medication that has been used for over 5 decades with the purpose of preventing central apnea in preterm infants. Data from a multicenter RCT demonstrated an association between early caffeine use and reduced risk for BPD (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52–0.76; p< 0.001)¹⁰⁰ with follow-up studies also demonstrating positive effects on neurodevelopmental outcome.^102,171 The protective effects of caffeine appear to be most apparent in infants treated within the first 3 days of life.^{101,172–175} Early initiation of caffeine is, to date, the only BPD preventive strategy that has been associated with both improved respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes.^171,176,177 Long-term benefits include increased survival without disability at 18–21 months of age¹⁷¹ and reduced incidence of developmental co-ordination disorder along with improved lung function at 11 years of age.^177,178

Caffeine use has been associated with increased likelihood of successful extubation¹⁷⁹ and reduced duration of IMV.^101,173 These observations are likely due to enhancement of respiratory drive and diaphragmatic contractility.¹⁸⁰ Early caffeine use is also associated with a reduction in medical management of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)^100,172,173 as well as diuretic, anti-inflammatory,^181,182 pro-angiogenic^183,184 and antioxidant^184–186 effects. Caffeine citrate is typically initiated with a loading dose of 20 mg/kg with maintenance therapy, then started 24 hr later at 5–10 mg/kg/day.¹⁸⁷ For infants either weaning on IMV or receiving NRS, dose is usually titrated according to the frequency and severity of apneic events. Such a titration does not usually occur in the most immature, critically ill infants who require higher levels of IMV support. Several studies indicate that increased loading (>20 mg/kg) and/or maintenance doses (>5 mg/kg/day) may be more beneficial in preventing BPD.¹⁸⁸ Some studies have reported increased rates of tachycardia with higher caffeine doses,^189,190 with other side-effects including feeding intolerance, hyponatremia, hypertension and hyperglycemia.¹⁹¹ In some centers, a maintenance dose of 8–10 mg/kg/day is used with weekly weight adjustment of maintenance dose in the range of 8–20 mg/kg/day to prevent extubation failure.¹⁹² Further work evaluating the pharmacodynamics of caffeine along with outcomes in different populations is needed to optimize the preventive properties of this treatment.

Early Course: First Week of Life – Vitamin A

A RCT conducted in ELBW infants demonstrated an association between early vitamin A administration and reduced risk for the composite outcome of death prior to 36 weeks PMA and BPD (55% versus 62%, RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.990, NNT 14–15).¹⁰⁵ Despite the significant effects noted by this trial, differences in the perceived benefits of vitamin A by clinicians have led to inconsistent uptake of this approach in clinical practice.¹⁹³ Pain from repeated intramuscular injections together with the significant financial cost of vitamin A may also contribute to this finding. The failure of subsequent studies to demonstrate long-term pulmonary benefits from parenteral vitamin A supplementation,¹⁰⁶ coupled with the observation that BPD rates remained stable during a national vitamin A shortage,¹⁹⁴ adds weight to the argument that this is a less efficacious strategy to prevent BPD. Even a small reduction in the risk of BPD in a high-risk population may, however, offset a substantial part of the cost of this therapy. A more recent meta-analysis not only showed an association between vitamin A and reduced dependency on supplemental O₂ at 36 weeks PMA (pooled risk ratio: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77–0.99; 4 trials, 841 infants, moderate certainty of evidence) but also suggested that vitamin A use is linked to reduced length of hospital stay (mean difference, −49.9; 95% CI: −88.78 to −11.02; 1 trial, 20 infants, low certainty of evidence).¹⁹⁵ This may be another area where this treatment may prove cost-effective. Although vitamin A should be strongly considered as part of a bundle for BPD prevention in ELBW infants, this strategy is unlikely to be pivotal in reducing adverse respiratory outcomes.

Early Course: First Week of Life – Low Dose Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone initiated at low doses to counteract relative adrenal insufficiency during the first week of life is associated with a reduction in the composite outcome of mortality and BPD (RR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.99).¹⁰⁷ Low dose hydrocortisone is not, however, associated with a reduction in BPD (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81–1.06).¹⁰⁷ A single patient meta-analysis indicated that female sex, ≥26 weeks GA and exposure to chorioamnionitis were factors linked to increased odds of BPD-free survival following receipt of hydrocortisone.¹⁹⁶ Risks associated with early low-dose hydrocortisone therapy include gastrointestinal perforation, which is more likely with concomitant use of indomethacin and early onset sepsis, which was noted more frequently in infants <26 weeks GA.¹⁹⁷ A cortisol nomogram developed using data compiled from a large RCT of early hydrocortisone therapy¹⁹⁷ suggested that infants with high baseline cortisol levels exposed to hydrocortisone were at increased risk for spontaneous intestinal perforation and severe IVH compared to those with comparable results who received placebo.¹⁹⁸ These findings suggest the presence of a “Goldilocks phenomenon” where either inadequate¹⁹⁹ or excessive¹⁹⁸ mineralocorticoid stimulation is associated with adverse effects. Until there is improved delineation of the patients most likely to benefit from treatment, early hydrocortisone therapy should be approached with caution.

Early Course: First Week of Life – Targeted Medical Management of the PDA

Although there is considerable evidence to suggest that prolonged patency of the ductus arteriosus contributes to adverse respiratory outcomes in preterm infants,^200–203 recent RCTs and QI studies have not demonstrated that use of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors to induce earlier closure of a hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) reduces BPD.^204–206 Failure of medications to reliably induce ductal closure in preterm infants <26 weeks GA, combined with significant rates of spontaneous closure and open-label treatment, pose limitations on the accuracy of information obtained from RCTs.²⁰⁴ Of note, data from a recent QI project that implemented a “Targeted Prophylactic Indomethacin” treatment approach for infants either born <25 weeks GA or ≥25 weeks GA and requiring IMV at 72 hr of life did show a significant decrease in the duration of ductal patency when compared with expectant management.²⁰⁴ Reduction in exposure to a PDA in this study was not, however, associated with decreased incidence of BPD.²⁰⁴ The impact of a hsPDA does, however, seem to be modulated by the duration of IMV.²⁰⁷ Infants exposed to IMV for <10 days were found to have a reduced risk for grade 2–3 BPD regardless of the presence of a hsPDA. Exposure to a hsPDA for >11 days was, however, associated with almost 2 times the rate of a Grade 2–3 BPD diagnosis in infants who required >10 days of IMV (PDA exposure >11 days 79% with Grade 2–3 BPD versus 40% with PDA exposure <11 days, p< 0.01).²⁰⁷ It is possible that longer exposure to IMV sensitizes the airspaces and pulmonary vasculature to the additional stress of a significant left-to-right shunt. Closure of a PDA should therefore be considered in patients likely to require IMV beyond the first week of life.

Results from centers who have adopted and developed techniques in early hemodynamic screening suggest that proactive identification and management of a PDA may benefit infants <24 weeks GA who have been underrepresented in RCTs.²⁰⁸ Ongoing efforts to further define PDA-related risk factors for BPD,²⁰⁹ to develop alternative therapies to induce ductal closure²¹⁰ and to identify subgroups of infants who may benefit from treatment²¹¹ may, however, have a significant impact in improving respiratory morbidity.

Early Course: First Week of Life – Judicious Use of Antimicrobial Therapy

A recently published retrospective study that included 196 infants <28 weeks GA suggested that babies with airway cultures or PCR positive for Ureaplasma spp. on admission may have over 4 times the risk of developing BPD compared to those without a positive test.²¹² These findings are supported by data from previous clinical and pre-clinical studies that link Ureaplasma spp. infection to increased risk for BPD.^213,214 RCTs evaluating the strategy of early eradication of Ureaplasma spp. with azithromycin have not, however, shown consistent benefit in reducing BPD.^215–217 Although there is some evidence that treatment of infants who test positive for Ureaplasma spp. can reduce the risk of BPD,²¹⁷ a prophylactic approach could lead to many more infants being exposed to a therapy that could be harmful. Disturbances in the airway microbiome at birth, with increased Gram-negative Gammaproteobacteria relative to Gram positive Lactobacilli has been associated with BPD.²¹⁸ The combination of dysbiosis and hyperoxia has also been linked to more severe disturbances in lung architecture in animal models.^219,220 Exposure to antibiotics both in the first week of life^221,222 and throughout the NICU stay¹¹⁹ is associated with BPD, with evidence of a dose–response relationship.¹¹⁹ Significantly higher odds of moderate-severe BPD were noted in a cohort of infants <32 weeks GA without risk factors for infection who were exposed to antibiotics within the 24 hr of life (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.21–4.38).¹⁰⁸ These results suggest that movement towards a selective approach to early antibiotic treatment may be a more effective BPD preventive strategy. In centers where turnaround time for Ureaplasma spp. detection is less than 48 hr, prophylaxis with azithromycin may be reasonable. Treatment could also be considered if there is also high clinical and radiographic suspicion of active infection.²²³

Early Course: First Week of Life – Fluid Management and Nutritional Strategies

Subgroup analysis of the multicenter Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial (PENUT) revealed that higher peak fluid balance (calculated by percentage change in weight from BW) was associated with increased risk for IMV on DOL 14 and in the combined outcome for BPD and mortality.¹⁰⁹ Every 10% increase in peak fluid balance was associated with 103% increased odds of receipt of IMV on DOL 14 (aOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.64–2.51).¹⁰⁹ Current evidence suggests that keeping the baby “dry” (ie BW loss in the range of 6–15% and maintaining serum sodium levels at the lower end of normal) from DOL 1–10 might be helpful in the prevention of BPD.²²⁴ Additional information from prospective trials is required to identify optimal fluid management practices preventing BPD.

Suboptimal nutritional intake in the first 2 weeks of life has been linked to both short-^110,225 and long-term¹¹² pulmonary outcomes. Standardized feeding protocols that optimize components of parenteral nutrition whilst promoting timely advancements in enteral feeding have been shown to be effective in reducing time to full enteral feeds and improving growth parameters in preterm infants.^226–228 Human milk, particularly colostrum, contains many immuno-modulatory protective components that act to promote a more favorable microbiome and help prevent BPD. Results from a prospective cohort study investigating the impact of own mother’s milk (OMM) on neonatal outcomes reported a 9.5% reduction in the odds of developing BPD for every 10% increase in receipt of OMM [aOR 0.905, 95% CI: 0.824–0.995].²²⁹ Systemic racism and socioeconomic hardship have been shown to have a negative impact on provision of OMM.²³⁰ It is imperative that these disparities are considered when planning initiatives to encourage provision of OMM to ensure equitable improvement in outcome.

Evolving Course: DOL 7 – 36 Weeks PMA

Evidence strongly points towards the perinatal period and first post-natal week as being an exquisitely sensitive time for determination of both short- and long-term pulmonary outcomes. Interventions adopted to reduce BPD beyond this time-period have typically focused on reducing duration of IMV as this represents a major risk factor for respiratory morbidity.^29,231 Results of recent studies that have shown increasing trends in BPD rates, even with similar to reduced duration of IMV and increased usage of NRS,^5,25 indicate that other factors, such as maintenance of an adequate growth trajectory and avoidance of atelectasis may also be important. The use of invasive ventilatory strategies that limit volutrauma while maintaining adequate functional residual capacity (FRC) such as volume targeted ventilation⁹³ and HFV^159,168 may be more helpful in avoiding respiratory morbidity infants who are not yet ready to tolerate extubation and/or are <23 weeks GA.²³² Tolerating a mild degree of permissive hypercapnia (PaCO₂ 55–65 mmHg), particularly in infants maintained on NRS should be strongly considered, but not at the expense of maintaining adequate lung recruitment and growth.³³

Selective treatment of preterm infants dependent on IMV after 7 days of life with low-dose dexamethasone has been shown to be effective in facilitating extubation.¹¹³ This specific benefit of steroid treatment may underly findings from the latest Cochrane review that suggest an association between dexamethasone treatment after 7 days of life and a reduction in O₂ dependency at 36 weeks PMA [RR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66–0.870].¹¹⁴ Unlike treatment during the first 7 days of life, exposure to dexamethasone after 7 days was not associated with increased risk of the combined outcome of cerebral palsy and mortality.¹¹⁴ This may reflect key differences in the characteristics of infants undergoing late treatment, as exposure to dexamethasone reduces the composite risk for death or neuro-disability in patients at high risk of developing BPD.^115,233 Given concerns regarding adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes noted with early use of dexamethasone, treatment is rarely given before 21 days of life and often postponed further. Of concern, increasing trends in the use of post-natal steroids were not associated with reduced incidence of BPD, indicating a need for further study and refinement of treatment strategies.²³ Evidence from a retrospective analysis indicates that infants who received dexamethasone between 21 and 28 days of life were more likely to avoid a diagnosis of severe BPD than those treated after DOL 50.²³⁴ No significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes were noted between infants in the earlier and later treatment groups.²³⁴ Receipt of steroids >36 days of life was associated with approximately twice the risk for Grade 2 or 3 BPD when compared to exposure between 8 and 21 days of life [aOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.70] in a retrospective study conducted by centers enrolled in the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC).²³⁵ Although it seems surprising that almost half of the patients in this cohort received their first dose of systemic corticosteroids in the 8–21-day timeframe, a much higher proportion of infants in this group received hydrocortisone (77.9%) versus dexamethasone (22.1%) when compared with those that received later treatment.²³⁵ Clinicians may be more willing to use hydrocortisone before 21 days of life as unlike dexamethasone, early postnatal hydrocortisone use has not been linked to neurodevelopmental impairment.^107,236,237 No evidence of adverse outcomes has been noted in the follow-up of participants in the SToP BPD Trial, who received later, higher doses of hydrocortisone;²³⁷ however, there is as yet no evidence from RCTs that treatment with hydrocortisone beyond the first week of life is helpful in reducing BPD even for higher risk populations.^238–240 In summary, treatment with systemic steroids with the goal of reducing risk for BPD should be strongly considered in preterm infants who remain IMV dependent at or approaching 21 days of life.

Diuretic therapy is another strategy that is frequently used to improve lung compliance and reduce respiratory support requirements. In a large retrospective analysis, longer duration of furosemide exposure from DOL 7 to 36 weeks PMA was associated with a significantly lower risk of BPD, suggesting a potential benefit.²⁴¹ Unfortunately, electrolyte losses caused by loop diuretics also increase the risk for metabolic bone disease, nephrocalcinosis and growth failure.²⁴² In the absence of RCT data indicating a relationship between diuretic use and reduced risk for BPD, short-term use of these medications should be restricted to infants with clinical or radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema.³³ Long-term use of diuretics should be restricted to patients who have demonstrated objective evidence of improvement. Assessment of pulmonary edema using lung US is a potentially useful strategy to guide selective medication administration and to determine the degree of response.²⁴³

Initiation of inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled steroids between 7 days to 36 weeks PMA varies widely between different neonatal units. To date, the use of these medications during this time-period has not been either associated with a reduction in BPD or an increase in any specific adverse outcome. For this reason, no firm recommendations on their use can be made.

Evolving Course: DOL 7 – 36 Weeks PMA – Maintain Growth Trajectory

Strategies that promote growth in preterm infants must involve measures to reduce unnecessary energy expenditure such as adherence to incubator weaning protocols and provision of adequate respiratory support. The practice of maintaining extremely preterm infants on NRS until they reach 32 weeks PMA has been included as a bundle intervention in quality improvement projects that successfully reduced BPD.^83,85 This approach could be explained by data suggesting that weaning by transition to high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is associated with increased duration of O₂ exposure and increased length of stay.^244–246 Another assumption behind the practice of routine prolonged CPAP administration is that this may help conserve energy and facilitate pulmonary growth and repair. This is supported by the results of a small RCT (n=44 analyzed) that linked extended CPAP with improvement in FRC measurements.¹¹⁷ There are, however, legitimate concerns regarding the impact of long-term continuous distending pressure on the developing lung.²⁴⁷ The utility of routine extension of CPAP until 32 weeks PMA or 1250g versus gradual weaning from CPAP to HFNC will be tested objectively in a clinical trial that is currently recruiting patients (NCT05557139). Information from this study may help further inform NRS practices used beyond 7 days of life.

Feeding protocols that standardize optimization of nutritional intake throughout the NICU stay, with continued daily tracking of caloric intake and weight gain, have not been directly associated with a reduction in BPD but are likely to be of benefit.²⁴⁸ Continued research to identify specific nutritional strategies to optimize growth is necessary to inform practice and mitigate long-term health outcomes.

Emerging Treatments

Increasing trends in the incidence of BPD reflect the need for novel therapies to protect the developing lung and promote growth and repair. Current treatments have relatively non-specific effects and often do not show the same degree of benefit in infants <25 weeks GA. Table 4 provides a summary of emerging therapies that are currently being evaluated in RCTs. Parallel research to identify important predictive markers of specific BPD phenotypes is also important for direct interventions towards patients who will demonstrate the most benefit.⁷

Table 4 A Summary of Emerging Therapies for BPD Currently Being Evaluated in Clinical Trials

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Multidisciplinary Approach

Infants with established BPD, especially those with moderate-to-severe disease, benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. The core team should at a minimum include neonatologists experienced in the care of infants with BPD, a dedicated clinical pharmacist and dietician in addition to support from physical and occupational therapist. The expertise of other pediatric subspecialists is also required to optimize outcomes. Pediatric pulmonologists well-versed in the care of infants with established BPD can help determine the most appropriate long-term ventilatory strategy, evaluate for airway pathology with bronchoscopy and ease the transition from inpatient care to outpatient management. Infants with either concern for or established BPD-PH should be followed closely by a pediatric cardiologist to determine the frequency of surveillance and need for medications and/or cardiac catheterization. Pediatric otolaryngologists play an essential role in the evaluation and management of infants who have airway complications necessitating corrective surgery or a tracheostomy. Involvement of a pediatric general surgeon may also be necessary, since infants may develop oral aversion or have aspirations that require a gastrostomy tube.²⁶² This interdisciplinary team-based approach that begins during the initial hospitalization and continues post-discharge has been shown to decrease the incidence of moderate-to-severe neurocognitive impairment and decrease the rates of readmission.²⁶³ A US institution that adopted a multidisciplinary approach to infants with BPD-PH was able to achieve resolution of PH in all their patients, with minimal vasodilator therapy (8%) and low mortality (5%).²⁶⁴ Various institutions have also found that a multidisciplinary approach to the care of infants with ventilator-dependent BPD results in improved survival until discharge.^262,265 Development of a multi-disciplinary approach is therefore deemed to be essential in delivering optimal care to infants with BPD who require long-term IMV. Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy should all be instituted, while infants with established BPD are still in the hospital to provide early, age-appropriate interventions that optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes. Physical therapists can provide input regarding tolerance and engagement with age-appropriate activities that help determine the adequacy of respiratory support. Feeding difficulties are common in infants with established BPD and early referral to a speech therapy team should be considered. Some infants with established BPD may have recurrent aspiration further compromising pulmonary status. As aspiration can occur without clinical symptoms; therefore, a swallow study may be necessary to evaluate the safety of oral feedings and to prevent continuing lung injury. After discharge, infants require ongoing neurodevelopmental follow-up to promptly identify and address areas of concern.²⁶²

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Respiratory Support

Optimization of respiratory support in the phase of established BPD requires a shift from a preventive-focused approach to a strategy that prioritizes somatic growth and developmental progress. Rapid weaning and avoidance of IMV are no longer the primary aims and may be counterproductive. The optimal approach to delivering respiratory support in this population has not been extensively studied, and therefore the reliance is on physiologically sound approaches informed by results from high-volume centers.^262,266 Infants with a milder degree of respiratory compromise can be adequately supported with low-flow NC or NRS; however, infants with severe forms of BPD may require IMV for months to years.²⁶⁷ Weaning from their current level of support should only be initiated once comfortable breathing, growth and tolerance of developmental therapies have been demonstrated.^262,266 Any reduction in settings should be performed in incremental steps, no more frequently than once or twice a week.^262,266

Chronic exposure to supplemental oxygen and positive pressure during the evolving phase of the disease transforms the properties of the lungs of an infant with severe BPD to the extent that IMV strategies that were previously successful are unlikely to be effective.²⁶⁸ Although specific respiratory phenotypes vary between patients, common pathologic findings in infants with grade 3 BPD include parenchymal edema, inflammation of the small airways, and alveolar oversimplification.^269,270 These factors combine to create the heterogeneous pattern of a multicompartment lung. The fast compartment of the lung consists of areas that have relatively normal alveolar dead space, airway resistance, and emptying times. In contrast, the slow compartment of the lung is characterized by larger alveolar dead space, increased airway resistance, and longer emptying times.²⁷¹ In most infants with severe BPD, the slow compartment predominates; therefore, tailoring strategies to the properties of this part of the lung is ideal.^266,268 Moreover, infants may suffer from additional comorbidities, such as airway disease or PH, that need to be addressed when selecting the appropriate IMV strategy.²⁷¹

Most experts who treat a larger number of infants with grade 3 BPD agree that synchronized IMV (SIMV), whether volume or pressure controlled, is the preferred mode of delivery of IMV for a large part of this severe BPD population.²⁶⁶ HFOV or HFJV do not allow for sufficient expiration and ultimately can lead to more air trapping and impaired ventilation. Most often, infants with established BPD need large target volumes with long inspiratory times and a low rate. Larger targeted volumes (8–15 mL/kg)²⁷² delivered with a long inspiratory time (0.5–1 sec)²⁶⁶ should help overcome the increased alveolar dead space and airway resistance in the slow compartment. Likewise, the low respiratory rate (12–20 bpm) allows for the increased emptying time present in these slow compartments; an I:E ratio of 1:5 is preferable.²⁷² The amount of PEEP (7–12 cmH₂O) required will also vary based on disease phenotype. If an infant appears to have a significant component of airway malacia, higher PEEPs are often necessary.^266,268 This may seem counterintuitive, but the presence of hyperinflation may be evidence that the current level of PEEP is insufficient to keep the airway open during expiration, leading to increased air trapping.²⁶⁶

No large-scale or long-term RCTs have been aimed at determining the most effective NRS strategies for established BPD. A small study looking at 20 infants with evolving and established BPD found no difference in the work of breathing infants when comparing CPAP and HFNC;²⁷³ however, long-term use of these modalities was not assessed. Successful use of both invasive and NIV-NAVA, defined as achievement of respiratory stability at a lower level of respiratory support, has been reported in several centers caring for high volumes of infants with severe BPD.²⁷⁴ This approach has not, however, been evaluated in prospective clinical trials.

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Approach to Tracheostomy

Severe BPD has been noted to be the most frequent indication for tracheostomy in infants, accounting for almost 50% of cases.^267,275 There is no unifying guideline as to when and in whom tracheostomy is indicated. A retrospective cohort study from 16 centers of the NICHD NRN found that 83% of patients with tracheostomies experienced the composite outcome of death or neurodevelopmental impairment compared with 40% of patients without a tracheostomy [aOR 3.3, 95% CI: 2.4–4.6].²⁷⁶ In a retrospective study, a tracheostomy was performed on average on DOL 118 (95% CI: 107–128).²⁷⁷ Infants who had a tracheostomy before, rather than after, 120 days of life had a lower risk of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (aOR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9), suggesting that timing has an important influence on outcome.²⁷⁶ A survey of providers in the CHNC revealed that the most common factors prompting consideration of tracheostomy were as follows: airway malacia (13%), need for higher PEEP (8%), endotracheal positive pressure (11%); PH (16%); multiple courses of systemic corticosteroids (11%); failure to thrive on non-invasive support (11%); and poor growth and feeding (10%).²⁷⁵ Some of the baseline clinical parameters that would prompt providers to begin considering tracheostomy in patients included PCO₂ ≥76–85 mmHg, FiO₂ ≥0.6, PEEP ≥9–11 cmH₂O, respiratory rate ≥61–70 bpm, PMA ≥ 44 weeks, and weight <10th percentile at 44 weeks PMA.²⁷⁵ These findings demonstrate factors that are important to clinicians; however, the decision as to whether a tracheostomy is the best option requires consideration and input from various members of the team and the patient’s family. Factors that should be deliberated include the uncertain duration of the need for IMV, risks associated with surgery, the need to commit the infant to multiple serial procedures, together with the risk of accidental decannulation or obstruction at home.^267,278

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Long-Term O₂ Therapy

Long-term home O₂ therapy in infants with established BPD has not been sufficiently studied. Both the American Thoracic Society (ATS)²⁷⁹ and the European Respiratory Society (ERS)¹²¹ have recommended the use of home O₂ in infants with BPD complicated by chronic hypoxemia. This guideline is based on very low-quality evidence from a few small studies that showed better growth, improved mean pulmonary artery pressures and improved sleep quality and duration for hypoxemic infants who receive supplemental O₂. The use of low flow supplemental O₂ also allows patients to be discharged home. The ERS suggests a target goal of 90% SpO₂ or higher extrapolating from the BOOST II trial that showed an increased mortality in infants born <28 weeks who had a target of 85–89% SpO₂.²⁸⁰ While the ATS suggests SpO₂ goal of ≥92%, the lower threshold of 90% of the ERS limits unnecessarily prolonging hospitalization and the added associated risks.¹²¹

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Use of Medications

The paucity of evidence regarding optimal pharmacological management of established BPD has led to marked variations in prescribing patterns between centers.^281,282 Patients with different clinical phenotypes of BPD vary considerably in their response to specific therapies,⁵⁷ therefore an individualized approach to care is strongly recommended.³³ Infants with extensive small airway involvement may respond favorably to the anti-inflammatory effects of inhaled corticosteroids. However, two RCTs evaluating the effects of inhaled fluticasone failed to demonstrate objective evidence of long-term benefit.²⁸³ Although obstructive patterns of lung disease are common in patients with BPD,⁵² response to bronchodilator therapy is variable.^284–286 Unlike in asthma, where reversible airway narrowing arises due to eosinophilic inflammation, the obstructive lung disease seen in BPD is more closely related to fixed structural abnormalities that limit small airway caliber.⁵² Trials of inhaled medications should therefore be considered in infants with established BPD; however, continuing therapy in the absence of a clinical response is not recommended.²⁸⁷

Use of both loop and thiazide diuretics has been shown to result in transient improvements in lung compliance; however, these changes have not been linked to weaning from respiratory support.^118,288 Adverse reactions to chronic diuretic use include electrolyte imbalances, calciuria, nephrocalcinosis, ototoxicity, and delayed closure of PDA.²⁸³ As in the evolving phase of BPD, use of diuretics should be targeted at patients who demonstrate a response to therapy and weaned as tolerated following discharge.²⁸⁷

The use of systemic corticosteroids in the management of infants with established BPD has not been well studied. Short courses of prednisolone have been effectively used to wean off supplemental oxygen prior to discharge¹²² and short courses of corticosteroids can also be used during BPD exacerbations due to viral illnesses to decrease airway inflammation and reduce work of breathing.²⁸⁷ A pulse dose of methylprednisolone has also been shown to improve pulmonary severity score, in the 5 months following administration,²⁸⁹ with benefits most marked in infants with grades 2–3 BPD.²⁸⁹ Adverse side effects of chronic systemic corticosteroid use include significant hyperglycemia, hypertension, immune suppression, intestinal perforation, cardiomyopathy, growth retardation, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. There is also evidence from animal studies that alveolar development is impaired following chronic glucocorticoid exposure.²⁹⁰ For these reasons, prolonged use of systemic corticosteroids is not recommended.

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Surveillance for BPD-PH

It is estimated that 25–37% of infants with BPD will develop BPD-PH, a diagnosis that is associated with increased risk for mortality^291–293 and tracheostomy placement.^58,294 A proactive approach to the detection of BPD-PH is therefore of critical importance. Different screening algorithms have been described.^120,295 The European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network (EPPVDN) recommends screening all infants with established BPD with transthoracic echocardiography at 36 weeks PMA and before discharge.¹²⁰ Screening should also be considered in any infant with chronic O₂ dependency and in those who demonstrate suboptimal growth or lack of expected clinical improvement.¹²⁰ Confirmation of BPD-PH should lead to consultation with cardiology and consideration for pulmonary vasodilator therapy with or without cardiac catheterization.¹²⁰ Screening for PH should continue post-discharge. The Pediatric PH Network recommends evaluation with an echocardiogram every 4–6 months if the patient is requiring supplemental O₂ or develops increasing respiratory support needs.²⁹⁶

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Nutritional Strategies

A specific nutritional approach to an infant with established BPD should be informed by disease severity, respiratory support requirement, age and level of activity.¹²⁴ Enteral feeding should be maintained as long as possible as this provides the most optimal source of energy, vitamins and minerals and contributes to maintenance of gut integrity. Continuing enteral feeds during acute deteriorations in status and in patients requiring sedation and paralysis has been recommended by experts who manage high volume of patients with severe BPD.¹²⁴ This team also advocate for an approach that is sensitive to the various clinical phases of severe BPD that they describe as the acute, transitional, and pro-growth stages.¹²⁴ Table 5 provides a brief description of each phase with specific expert recommendations.¹²⁴

Table 5 Summary of the Approach Used for Patients with Established BPD at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Ongoing monitoring of anthropometric data should occur throughout both inpatient and outpatient phases of care along with screening for metabolic bone disease²⁹⁷ and anemia of prematurity. Electrolyte abnormalities are common in patients receiving diuretic therapy and should be identified and treated accordingly. Recommended goals for daily weight gain in preterm infants are 15–20 g/day with weekly linear growth of 0.9–1.1 cm per week and should be considered when tracking the progress of infants with established BPD. Maintenance of adequate growth should be a priority for infants with established BPD and multi-center trials on nutritional practices should be strongly considered.

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Lung Transplantation

Between the years 2000–2020, a total of 37 patients with BPD as a diagnosis underwent a lung transplant.²⁹⁸ Overall, these patients had a younger median age at the time of transplant when compared to other lung transplant recipients, 22 years (interquartile range (IQR) 7–34 years) versus 58 years (IQR 48–64 years), respectively. When comparing the BPD lung transplant recipients born in the pre-surfactant era (SE) to the post-SE, the post-SE patients were significantly younger, 7.5 years (IQR 1–13.35 years) versus 34 years (IQR 29–37 years). Post-SE patients were also more likely to be on ventilator support 43.4% versus 0%.²⁹⁸ There were no statistically significant differences in survival post-lung transplant when comparing the BPD group to the group with other diagnoses nor was there a difference when comparing pre-SE and post-SE BPD patients.²⁹⁸ While an extreme option, lung transplant could be considered for patients with progressive, life-limiting lung disease secondary to BPD.

Conclusions

BPD is a complex multifactorial lung injury syndrome that has proven to be extremely challenging to diagnose, prevent and manage. Current strategies used for the prevention and management of BPD, summarized in Figure 1, have shown efficacy in preventing and mitigating the extent of lung injury. The impact of these treatments has not, however, been sufficient to keep pace with improvements in survival. Novel treatments are needed to address the needs of a growing population of peri-viable infants. In the meantime, QI frameworks need to be leveraged for optimal delivery of existing therapeutic strategies. Continued investigation, identification and action are required to urgently address racial and socio-economic disparities in respiratory outcomes. Finally, collaboration between basic scientists, clinical investigators, and clinicians in a range of subspecialties is necessary to close gaps in knowledge and optimize outcomes for patients at all stages of life.

Figure 1 Multiple exposures during the prenatal and postnatal periods contribute to the development of BPD. Stimuli encountered in the prenatal and early postnatal period appear to have the strongest influence in determining long-term pulmonary outcome. These exposures and their potential for generating inflammatory responses and altered lung development are outlined in the top part of the figure. The lower boxes summarize key strategies needed to prevent and manage early, evolving and established BPD in a system-based manner.

Abbreviations: BPD, bronchopulmonary dysplasia; wks, weeks; GA, gestational age; GDM, gestational diabetes mellitus; RDS, respiratory distress syndrome; hsPDA, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus; IMV, invasive mechanical ventilation; DOL, day of life; wks, weeks; PMA, postmenstrual age; LISA, less invasive surfactant administration; InSurE, Intubate; surfactant; extubate; NRS, non-invasive respiratory support; CPAP, continuous positive airways pressure; NIPPV, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation; HFOV, high frequency oscillatory ventilation; TV, tidal volume; Ti, inspiratory time; PEEP, positive end expiratory pressure; RR, respiratory rate; PNS, postnatal steroids; Wt, weight; abx, antibiotics; OMM, own mother’s milk.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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Prevalence, Prevention and Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Introduction

Prevalence of BPD

Trends in the Incidence of BPD and Associated Risk Factors

Limitations of Current Clinical Definitions of BPD

Impact of BPD on Individuals and Healthcare Costs

Prevention of BPD

Prenatal Strategies

DR Strategies: Optimal Diagnosis and Management of RDS

DR Strategies: Use of O2 During DR Resuscitation

Early Course: First Week of Life – Early NRS Strategies to Reduce BPD

Early Course: First Week of Life – Early Invasive Respiratory Support Modalities

Early Course: First Week of Life – Caffeine

Early Course: First Week of Life – Vitamin A

Early Course: First Week of Life – Low Dose Hydrocortisone

Early Course: First Week of Life – Targeted Medical Management of the PDA

Early Course: First Week of Life – Judicious Use of Antimicrobial Therapy

Early Course: First Week of Life – Fluid Management and Nutritional Strategies

Evolving Course: DOL 7 – 36 Weeks PMA

Evolving Course: DOL 7 – 36 Weeks PMA – Maintain Growth Trajectory

Emerging Treatments

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Multidisciplinary Approach

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Respiratory Support

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Approach to Tracheostomy

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Long-Term O2 Therapy

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Use of Medications

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Surveillance for BPD-PH

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Nutritional Strategies

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Lung Transplantation

Conclusions

Disclosure

References

DR Strategies: Use of O₂ During DR Resuscitation

Established BPD: > 36 Weeks PMA – Long-Term O₂ Therapy