Emerging drugs for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

BACKGROUND

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common adverse outcome of very premature birth and is associated with chronic respiratory morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there were preventative therapies proven safe and efficacious in appropriately powered randomised trials.

METHODS

A literature review was undertaken.

RESULTS

Systemically administered corticosteroids, if given in the first 2 weeks, do significantly reduce BPD but have serious side effects. Vitamin A also reduces BPD, but has side effects, and further investigation is needed to identify the safest dosage regimen. There are, however, promising therapies that include antioxidants, low-dose nitric oxide and methylxanthines.

CONCLUSION

Further work is necessary to identify safe and effective preventative drugs for BPD.