[Prognosis factors in severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A retrospective study of 65 premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia].

The annual incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is presently 1.3 case p. 1,000 alive births. The most severe forms of BPD are characterized by a prolonged oxygen-dependence and a spontaneous evolution marked by numerous complications which could be life-threatening. We studied retrospectively 65 premature infants with BPD who underwent ventilation for one month or more during the first weeks of life. Comparison between survivors and children deceased during the first year of life allowed for discerning 5 prognostic criteria: the nature and severity of initial respiratory disease, the respiratory improvement during the first trimester, the results of hematosis by age 3 months, the ability of maintaining and increasing the respiratory improvement while reducing the therapeutic management, the weight and head circumference gains. The respective parts and conditions of oxygen therapy and prolonged mechanical ventilation in severe cases of BPD are discussed.