Characterization of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Chilean premature infants under 32 weeks

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease in premature newborns. It is most defined as a need for supplemental O 2 for 28 days or at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (BPD36w). Objective: In premature newborns born at less than 32 weeks (PNBs<32) in a neonatal unit in Santiago, Chile, between 2012 and 2019: 1.-) evaluate the O 2 requirement at 28 days of life (BPD28d) and 36 weeks postmenstrual age (BPD36w). 2.-) Describe and determine the incidence of BPD36w in PNBs<32. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study with an analytical component. Results: 722 PNBs<32 were born at the healthcare center. Mortality was 12.19%. The study population was 535 PNBs<32. The incidence of BPD28d and BPD36w was 35% and 28%, respectively. Of the 242 newborns BPD28d, 203/242 (83.88%) still needed O 2 at 36 weeks. Sixteen from 242 (6%) required O 2 for less than 28 consecutive days, 7 of them still required O 2 at 36 weeks. The predictors of BPD36w were male sex (OR 2.42, 95% CI:1.24-4.69), birth weight (OR 1, 95% CI:0.99-1), gestational age (OR 0.75, 95% CI:0.57- 0.97), APGAR at 5 min, (OR 0.01, 95% CI:0.003-0.05), continuous positive airway pressure/ high-flow nasal cannula requirement (OR 1.1, 95% CI:1.04-1.17) and days of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 1.1,95% CI: 1-1.2). Conclusions: Most PNBs<32 with O 2 at 28 days of age will require O 2 at 36 weeks. The predictors associated with BPD36w were male gender, birth weight, gestational age, APGAR score, a positive airway pressure requirement and days of invasive mechanical ventilation.