Characteristics and outcome of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia established on long-term ventilation from neonatal intensive care.

INTRODUCTION:Ex-preterm infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) sometimes require long-term ventilation (LTV) to facilitate weaning from respiratory support. There are however limited data characterizing this cohort. We aim to describe the background characteristics, neonatal comorbidities, characteristics at the initiation of ventilation, and outcomes of neonatal unit graduates with BPD established on LTV. METHODS:A retrospective cohort study of infants born <32 weeks gestation with BPD referred to a regional LTV service between January 2015 and December 2020. RESULTS:Twenty-five infants were referred during the study period. Median birth gestation was 26 + 1 weeks (24 + 0-30 + 4) and birth weight 645 g (430-1485). At 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), median FiO 22CONCLUSION:Due to advances in interfaces, headgear, and ventilator technology, NIV is an attractive and practically achievable option for infants with severe BPD as small as 2 kg. Initiation and weaning should take place in a facility with the required multidisciplinary expertize.