loading page

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Historical Perspective
  • Julian Allen,
  • Howard Panitch
Julian Allen
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Howard Panitch
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Author Profile

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was first described by Northway et al in 1967. This article describes the evolution of our understanding of the pathophysiology of BPD and the approaches to treatments of this illness developed over the past fifty years. These interventions had their roots in the understanding of the principles of the surface tension present at air- liquid interfaces, which were developed over 150 years before BPD’s initial description. Improving outcomes in neonatal care have led to greater survival of preterm and very preterm infants, and to an evolution of the pathogenesis and pathology of BPD, from an illness caused primarily by barotrauma and oxygen toxicity to one of interruption of lung development. While the incidence of BPD has remained about the same in recent decades, this is because survival of infants born at lower gestational ages is increasing. Understanding of molecular, genetic and physiologic mechanisms has led to newer treatments that have mitigated some of the harmful effects of prolonged mechanical ventilation. Recognition of BPD as a chronic multi-system disease has resulted in further improvements in care after discharge from neonatal intensive care. Since many of the origins of chronic obstructive lung disease in adults are based in childhood respiratory illnesses, improving outcomes of BPD in infancy and childhood will undoubtedly lead to improved respiratory outcomes in the adults that these children will become.
10 Dec 2020Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
11 Dec 2020Submission Checks Completed
11 Dec 2020Assigned to Editor
12 Dec 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Jan 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Jan 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Feb 20211st Revision Received
23 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
23 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
23 Feb 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
23 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor