Predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome following bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Article Abstract:

Premature infants have a higher risk for having health problems immediately following birth and for having poor neurodevelopmental outcomes later in life. Identifying factors that predict neurodevelopmental problems later on could lead to early diagnosis and treatment for these problems. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is an abnormality of the tissues in the airways and lungs. It often occurs in premature infants who have respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a disease that frequently occurs soon after birth in premature infants. Some studies have indicated that infants who have RDS and BPD are at a higher risk for developmental problems, while other studies have indicated that factors such as birth injury are more predictive of developmental outcomes. This study examined the developmental outcomes of premature infants who suffered BPD of varying degrees. The presence of brain abnormalities in the newborns, such as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), was also compared with developmental outcomes. The study followed the developmental progress of 27 premature infants who had suffered BPD. Follow-up was performed for an average of 36 months. Results of tests for neurodevelopment revealed that 12 of the 27 children (44.4 percent) had normal development, 9 (33.3 percent) had minor abnormalities in development, and 6 (22.2 percent) had major developmental abnormalities. Duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy during treatment for BPD were not associated with developmental outcomes. The eight children who had no brain abnormalities as infants experienced normal development. Seven of 10 subjects who had mild or moderate brain abnormalities had normal developmental outcomes. All nine subjects with severe brain abnormalities had abnormal developmental outcomes. These results suggest that severity of BDP during infancy is not predictive of neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the presence of severe brain abnormalities, such as ICH, is indicative of poor neurodevelopment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Causes of, Risk factors, Child development, Child development deviations, Developmental disabilities

---

Midfacial hypoplasia associated with long-term intubation for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Article Abstract:

Premature babies with respiratory distress may occasionally be treated with prolonged endotracheal intubation, placement of a tube into the trachea (windpipe) to maintain the airway. Possible complications of this management may develop. A report is presented of six premature infants in whom an association is described between long-term naso-tracheal intubation (the tube was passed through the nose) and midfacial hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the features in the area of the nose, cheeks, and the palate inside the mouth). All babies had bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition of abnormal development of the respiratory system. Gestational age at the time of birth ranged from 24 to 35 weeks, and the babies were intubated for 68 to 243 days. These infants showed deformities such as depressed nasal bridge, small-tipped nose, underdeveloped cheeks, and high-arched palate. At birth, only one infant had shown any signs of abnormal appearance. It is known that facial features change both before and after birth, and are determined by inheritance, conditions within the uterus such as multiple pregnancy and presentation, and prematurity. An association has previously been established between midfacial hypoplasia and abnormal development of the facial and skull bones. The authors suggest that the long-term endotracheal intubation caused the hypoplasia in these cases. It is not known if as the infants grow, the midfacial hypoplasia will diminish. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Abnormalities, Artificial respiration, Mechanical ventilation, Infants (Premature), Premature infants, Respiratory distress syndrome, Facial bones

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Late sudden unexpected deaths in hospitalized infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Gastroesophageal reflux to the proximal esophagus in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• Abstracts: Implications of the changing medical profile of a dental school patient population. Supplemental corticosteroids for dental patients with adrenal insufficiency: reconsideration of the problem
• Abstracts: Measures of sexual behavior and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical management of leiomyomata during pregnancy
• Abstracts: Prognostic factors and life expectancy in children with AIDS and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Immune complexes in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.