BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA-ASSOCIATED PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN PREMATURE INFANTS

BPD-associated PH is a well-recognized complication of BPD. A number of risk factors are reported in the last years and new treatment options are searched for in order to improve the prognosis of these infants. We retrospectively analyze the risk factors, the incidence, the clinical characteristics and the outcome of the PH in a group of preterm infants with BPD and GA < 32 weeks. We also report treatment with vasodilators inhaled nitric oxide and sildenafil for PH. Infants with BPD-associated PH had significantly lower BW, more complicated clinical course and increased mortality. PH occurs most commonly in infants with severe BPD and is associated with the duration of the mechanical ventilation. Echocardiographic screening is important for early detection and assessment for vasodilator treatment. The use of vasodilators sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide results in improvement of the PH and no side effects were observed.

Automated summary

BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension is a recognized complication in preterm infants, typically presenting with lower birth weight, complex clinical courses, and higher mortality rates. The incidence of PH is associated with severe BPD and duration of mechanical ventilation, while early detection through echocardiographic screening is crucial for vasodilator treatment. The use of vasodilators such as sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide has shown improvement in PH without any observed side effects.