BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA IN PRETERM INF ANTS - AN 8 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE AND ANALYSIS OF RISK-FACTORS

Background: BPD still remains a serious complication in very premature ly born infants. In order to assess the incidence and risk factors we analyzed the data of preterm infants (birth weight less than or equal to 1751 g) born between January 1985 and December 1992. Patients and M ethods: Preterm infants requiring intubation on day 1 were enrolled re trospectively. BPD was defined as need for artificial ventilation or o xygen dependency (FiO(2)>0.3) on day 28. Infants with BPD were compare d with matched controls in order to identify risk factors using a logi stic regression analysis. Results: A total of 274 infants were enrolle d, 76 (28 %) of whom developed BPD, 48 died and 150 survived without B PD. A significant increase in survival and decreasing rate of BPD coul d be observed during the study period. Low gestational age and birth w eight, vaginal delivery, high oxygen requirements and low body weight loss during week 1 were significantly associated with BPD. Administrat ion of natural surfactant was associated with a reduced risk for BPD o nly in very preterm infants (GA less than or equal to 28 weeks). Concl usions: Improved outcome in preterm infants with RDS could be demonstr ated in terms of increased survival with reduced risk for BPD. Knowled ge of risk factors should be translated into preventive concepts.