Chronic pulmonary insufficiency in children and its effects on growth and development

Conditions leading to chronic pulmonary insufficiency can affect infants an d children. These can lead to growth failure and delayed development. Among the most common and severe of these are bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) a nd cystic fibrosis, In addition to the respiratory consequences of these di seases, there is ample evidence that they lead to decreased growth as a res ult of decreased energy intake and increased energy expenditure. Furthermor e, there is evidence that infants with BPD may also have delayed developmen t, independent of the effects of their prematurity. Enhancing the long-term outlook for these conditions may therefore require consideration of both i mproved pulmonary management and aggressive nutritional management to limit growth failure and potentially enhance developmental outcome. Specific mic ronutrient supplementation, such as antioxidant therapy, may also enhance p ulmonary and nutritional status.