Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity Flashcards
What is another term for Chronic lung disease of prematurity?
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Who does CLDP usually occur in?
Premature babies, born before 28 weeks gestation.
How is CLDP diagnosed?
Chest x-ray
What are the main features of Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity?
- Low oxygen saturations
- Increased work of breathing
- Poor feeding and weight gain
- Crackles and wheezes on chest auscultation
- Increased susceptibility to infection
What would you hear on chest auscultation of a child with CLDP?
• Crackles and wheezes on chest auscultation
What is there increased susceptibility of in a child with CLDP?
Increased susceptibility to infection
What can be given to the mother if she is showing signs of premature labour?
Corticosteroids (e.g. betamethasone)
What is the function of corticosteroids?
They help speed up the development of the fetal lungs before birth and reduce the risk of CLDP.
How can the risk of CLDP be reduced once the baby is born?
- Using CPAP rather than intubation and ventilation
- Using caffeine to stimulate the respiratory effort
- Not over-oxygenating with supplementary oxygen
What is used to support the diagnosis?
A formal sleep study to assess their oxygen saturations during sleep
What is the management of CLDP?
Babies may be discharged from the neonatal unit on a low dose of oxygen to continue at home
Why do the babies on oxygen need to be followed up?
To wean the oxygen level over the first year of life.
What do babies with CLDP require protection from?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Why do babies affected by CLDP need protection from RSV?
To reduce the risk and severity of bronchiolitis.
What is given to a child affected by CLDP to protect them against RSV?
Monthly injections of a monoclonal antibody against the virus
