PULMONARY HYPOPLASIA - PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND ANTENATAL PREDICTION

Objective: To review published data pertaining to the pathogenesis, an tenatal prediction, and neonatal diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia. Da ta Sources: A computerized search of articles published through Februa ry 1995 was performed on the MEDLINE data base. Additional sources wer e identified through cross-referencing. Methods of Study Selection: Al l available references were reviewed initially by the authors, and the ir impact on the clinical significance of this condition was summarize d. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Pulmonary hypoplasia can be understo od best by first defining the embryology of lung development. Although pulmonary hypoplasia can occur as a primary event, most cases are sec ondary to congenital anomalies or pregnancy complications. Several met hods have been proposed to predict the subsequent occurrence of pulmon ary hypoplasia, but no single criterion has adequately confirmed sensi tivity and specificity for clinical decision making. Conclusion: For p atients with premature rupture of membranes, the gestational age at ti me of rupture carries the highest risk correlation with subsequent pul monary hypoplasia.