Abstract
Objective: Non-invasive respiratory support has reduced the need for
mechanical ventilation and surfactant administration in very premature
neonates. We sought to determine how the increased use of non-invasive
ventilation and less surfactant instillation has impacted the
development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and compared BPD outcome
applying four currently used definitions. Study Design: This is a
retrospective, single center cohort study of neonates born at less than
28 weeks gestation between 2010 and 2018. A respiratory practice change
(less surfactant and more non-invasive ventilation) occurred in 2014
following participation in the SUPPORT trial. Therefore, patients were
divided into 2 epochs to compare postnatal respiratory and clinical
course and BPD outcomes across four currently relevant definitions (VON,
NICHD, Canadian, NRN). Results: Clinical and demographic variables were
similar between epochs. Despite significant differences in maternal and
infant characteristics and clinical course, the incidence of BPD was not
significantly different between the 2 epochs regardless of the BPD
definition utilized. There was a wide range in the incidence of BPD
depending on the definition used. Conclusions: Despite decreased use of
invasive mechanical ventilation and surfactant administration between
the two epochs, the incidence of BPD did not change and there was wide
variation depending on the definition used. A better understanding of
the risk factors associated with BPD and a consensus definition is
urgently needed in order to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials
and the development of novel therapeutic interventions to improve
outcome.