Specialties & Conditions Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)/Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)/Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)
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What is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD, is a condition that develops after an infant is born prematurely. When that happens, an infant’s lungs are not fully developed, and this can cause breathing problems. Though many babies born prematurely do not develop BPD, it is still a common issue among many premature babies – it occurs in about 1/3rd of infants born under 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Though many infants need support with breathing for a few days after birth, infants with BPD typically need extra support for much longer. This support can be in the form of:
- Supplemental (extra) oxygen
- Pressurized air
- A ventilator (where a machine and breathing tube needs to be used to help an infant breathe)
When infants need breathing support for a long time, it is more likely that they will develop BPD.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Program at Lurie Children's
The BPD Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital delivers high-level care to babies with BPD. We use our group’s clinical and research experience to improve the care and outcomes for your baby.
Learn more about the BPD Program.
Causes of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
When babies are born early, their lungs are not fully developed. Their lungs will continue to develop and grow for many years after birth. Unfortunately, at the time of premature birth, the air spaces (called alveoli) and airways in the lungs are too few. Babies then need to breathe faster, and sometimes harder, to make up for this; and many infants end up needing life-saving support to breathe, like mechanical ventilation. However, over time, the alveoli and airways can become injured from the ventilator and from the inhaled oxygen, leading to development of BPD. There may be other reasons why your baby developed BPD, but this is not anything you or the medical team could have prevented.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Diagnosis
The “official” diagnosis is made about 4 weeks before the mother’s original due date, no matter how early the baby is born. So, if a baby is born at 28 weeks (12 weeks early) the diagnosis will be made when the baby is 8 weeks old.
There is no test to determine that your baby has BPD. We make this diagnosis based on how much breathing support your baby is requiring 4 weeks before their original due date. Sometimes we are concerned about a baby developing BPD earlier. We classify all infants who need CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or a ventilator as having more significant/severe BPD.
What Do We Do Now That My Baby Has BPD?
BPD is not easy to prevent or treat, and there are several things we need to think about. There are some frequent problems that go along with BPD, and some babies develop more problems than others. Also, the outcomes for BPD are different from baby to baby, but we do have some ways to screen for additional problems and try to “predict” what may happen.
Related News
Lurie Children’s Study to Link Genetics and Long-Term Cardiorespiratory Outcomes of Children Born Prematurely for More Precise Diagnosis and Treatment
To improve diagnosis and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a new study at Lurie Children’s, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will use AI/machine learning to identify disease subtypes that are based on genetic data and associated outcomes.
Understanding NICU Levels
At Lurie Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and support for your baby and your family.
Tiny but Mighty! 1-Pound Micro-Preemie Autumn Defies the Odds
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Camarion’s Story: Overcoming Extreme Prematurity With All-Encompassing NICU Care
After Camarion was diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), our BPD team worked closely with his parents to inform them of their options in his care and explain the nature of the disease.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Program Provides Eddie with Comprehensive, Collaborative Clinical and Supportive Care
Eddie was diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD, a condition that develops after an infant is born prematurely.
Atharv’s Story: Team Approach to BPD Treatment Leads to Thriving at Home
As Atharv continued to grow in the NICU, his team found that his lungs were severely underdeveloped, a complication commonly found in very premature babies.