Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Neonatal pulmonary diseases may require mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen therapy. These supportive measures can damage the immature lung or distort the normal maturation processes of the developing lung. The formation of hyaline membranes occurs acutely, often complicated by left-to-right cardiac shunts. Pulmonary edema occurs next, followed by interstitial fibrosis and finally by parenchymal emphysema. This process is termed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with this developmental pulmonary dysplasia, particularly during the first two years of life. A delay in normal growth and development is often present, acute episodes of pulmonary insufficiency are seen, and multiple episodes of pulmonary infection occur. Subsequently, the radiographic appearance and the clinical symptoms improve. Therapy is mainly supportive throughout the course of the disease and the bronchopulmonary dysplasia tends to resolve slowly. Residual pulmonary dysfunction is usually mild or absent.