Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most significant sequelae of prematurity, affecting the pulmonary and cardiovascular structures especially. From the first weeks of life, there exists a close anatomical and functional relationship between these two systems. Changes in intrathoracic pressure or pulmonary vascular resistance greatly impact both the left and right sides of the heart. In turn, increasing afterload and decreasing preload affect blood flow through the lung, as well as the state of oxygenation and ventilation. BPD affects the function, growth, and development of the heart and lung, due to the hypoxia, acidosis, hyperoxia, and fibrosis associated with the fibroproliferative repair process. Significance of clinical findings and the role of the bedside caregiver are also discussed.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 5-12 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Neonatal network : NN |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| State | Published - Dec 1997 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Critical Care
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine