[Bronhopulmonary dysplasia].

Background: Since bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was first described 40 years ago, the epidemiology of premature infants has changed considerably. With improved prenatal and obstetrical care and improved/less invasive ventilatory support, severe BPD is now rarely seen in infants born after 32 weeks gestational age, but it is still the most frequent complication to severe prematurity. Depending on the diagnostic criteria, between 40-60% of the infants weighing < 1000 g at birth have BPD.

Material And Methods: Selected recent publications on BPD, with focus on etiology, prophylaxis, management and more recent diagnostic criteria form the basis for the article and discussions.

Results And Interpretation: BPD is a multifactorial condition, where the degree of prematurity plays an important role. Intrauterine environmental factors, genetics, inflammation, oxygen toxicity and ventilator treatment in acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome are also of importance. Much is still uncertain concerning the etiology, and BPD is also seen in infants with no or minimal ventilatory support. As a consequence, present strategies for prevention or treatment of BPD have so far been of only limited success.