5. Is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia a Fatal Condition?With improved neonatal care facilities, survival of preterm infants born at 28 weeks and more has vastly improved. Mortality rates of infants born at less than 24 weeks gestation remain high.
6. What are the Complications of BPD?Complications of BPD include frequent respiratory infections, development of asthma, delayed growth and development, poor exercise tolerance, pulmonary hypertension and
right heart failure (cor pulmonale).7. What is the longterm outlook for infants with BPD?It is again variable. Infants with mild to moderate BPD outgrow their condition by 3 to 5 years of age and develop normally. However they may be at increased risk of infections and develop asthma later. Infants with moderate to severe BPD who survive may show delayed milestones including motor impairment and language delay. They may need frequent hospital admissions and remain oxygen dependent for the first two years.
8. How do I ensure that my baby is protected from recurrent infections after discharge?Prevention of infections is key to caring for babies with BPD. Measures include maintaining hygiene by regular hand washing, avoiding contact of baby with infected persons, avoiding exposure to smoke and other pollutants, immunization of family members with flu vaccine, protecting baby against RSV infections with monthly antibody shots.
