New insights into the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation in preterm infants

Chronic lung disease (CLD) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are associated wi th a significant inflammatory response of the airways and the interstitium of the lungs. Besides inflammatory cells, various cytokines, lipid mediator s, proteolytic enzymes and toxic oxygen radicals may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Intrauterine exposure to chorioamnion itis or proinflammatory cytokines has been shown to induce a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in the fetus. In this subgroup, antenatal in fection may prime the lung such that minimally injurious postnatal events p rovoke an excessive inflammatory response in the airways and the pulmonary tissue. Inflammation and lung injury most certainly affect normal alveoliza tion and pulmonary vascular development in preterm infants with CLD. Copyri ght (C) 2001 S. Karger AG. Basel.