Pediatric clinics of North America
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Pediatr. Clin. North Am. · Apr 1994
ReviewPathophysiology and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Current issues.
Although much has been learned about BPD in the 25 years since its initial description, BPD remains a significant complication of prematurity. Substantial advances into the understanding of its pathophysiology and pathogenesis have been made and are reflected in new therapeutic interventions. Much current research is directed towards the role of prevention, exploring new approaches for accelerating lung maturation with combined maternal steroid and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) therapy, surfactant replacement therapy, high frequency oscillatory ventilation, antioxidant administration, manipulation of endogenous antioxidants, and other pharmacologic strategies to minimize lung injury. ⋯ Mildred Stahlman, MD, recently wrote that (a)s sanguine as the future looks for surfactant therapy, it may leave us with more very low-birth weight infants who survive, whose potential for normal pulmonary growth and development is unknown, and whose very immature organ systems, besides the lung, are still susceptible to metabolic, neurologic, and other problems. As more survivors are reaching young adulthood, respiratory and neurodevelopmental complications persist. Thus, as advances in the care of the premature newborn with respiratory distress have dramatically improved survival, the management of chronic lung disease and related problems remains a continuing challenge.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has now evolved into standard therapy for patients unresponsive to conventional ventilatory and pharmacological support. This article presents a clinical review of extracorporeal life support and its application to neonatal and pediatric patients as well as children requiring circulatory support after open heart surgery.
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Smoke inhalation injury in children still represents a significant cause of pulmonary disease and mortality. Carbon monoxide and other toxic products of combustion are major determinants of severity. Early hypoxemia is a contributor to over 50% of deaths. ⋯ Intensive care has improved outcome from burns, but pulmonary injury is still an important cause of mortality. New therapies such as high frequency ventilation may improve the outcome. Primary prevention is the most important way to reduce the poor outcome from significant exposure.