[Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Course over 3 years in 88 children born between 1984 and 1988].

Background: The survival and outcome of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BD) depend on the patient's maturity, the severity of the BD and nutritional problems. This study evaluates the specific role of chronic pulmonary failure in the growth and development of infants recovering from BD.

Population and methods: 88 infants admitted for BD from January 1984 to December 1988, having gestational age from 25 to 41 weeks 5 days (mean: 29) and birth weight from 680 to 3,400 g (mean: 1,195) were studied. All infants were given respiratory support for 6 to 914 days (mean 84) and oxygen therapy for 28 to 1,232 days (mean: 119). 29 infants were given corticosteroids for more than 1 month. The outcome of the 80 infants with gestational ages of less than 33 weeks was compared to that of 272 infants with the same gestational age but not suffering from BD on their 28th day. The infants in both groups were examined at 2 years of age and classified as: a) handicapped (neurologic deficit, IQ < 80, hearing loss, blindness, convulsions); b) doubtful (transitory neurology dysfunction); c) normal.

Results: Of the 88 infants still living at the age of 28 days, 19 died before the age of 2 years: 16 of the 64 surviving infants who could be followed until the age of 2 years were classified as handicapped, 13 were considered doubtful and 35 were normal. The more significant risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment were: a) the presence of porencephaly and/or ventricular dilatation on brain ultrasonography; b) head circumference < -2 SD at the end of hospital stay; c) oxygen therapy and hospitalization > 5-6 months. The group of infants with BD had a higher death rate (24% vs. 3.7 in the group without BD) and more frequent neurodevelopmental impairment at gestational ages of > 31-32 weeks.

Conclusions: BD is an extra risk for the survival and neurodevelopment of infants with gestational age > 31 weeks.