Prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: current status and future prospects

This review summarizes, the existing evidence for potential non-ventilator-dependent strategies to prevent or ameliorate bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Oxygen plays an important pathogenetic and therapeutic, role for BPD. Targeting infants with lower saturation of peripheral oxygen levels, than traditionally used seems justified inhaled-nitric oxide has not proven effective on pulmonary outcome in extremely low birth weight infants. doses of vitamin A reduce the risk of BPD. Prophylactic application of natural surfactant may also confer benefits. Recently, early administration of caffeine has been shown to decrease risk of BPD. However, assessment of long-term effects is needed before routine use can be recommended. Owing to potential short- and long-term effects, postnatal corticosteroids should be restricted to the most severe manifestations of BPD. Superoxide dismutase and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor have not shown efficacy ill preventing BPD. The potential role of anti-inflammatory therapies like Clara Cell 10 kDa protein has yet to be defined.