Pulmonary Hypertension and Vascular Abnormalities in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Despite advances in the care of preterm infants, these infants remain at risk bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which results in prolonged need for supplemental oxygen, recurrent respiratory exacerbations, and exercise intolerance. Recent investigations have highlighted the important contribution of the developing pulmonary circulation to lung development, showing that these infants are also at risk for pulmonary vascular disease (PVD), including pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary vascular abnormalities. Several epidemiologic studies have delineated the incidence of PH in preterm infants and the impact on outcomes. These studies have also highlighted gaps in the understanding of PVD in BPD.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Echocardiogram; Inhaled nitric oxide; Pulmonary hypertension; Pulmonary vascular disease.