Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Children: Early Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 1721

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Child Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Interests: preterm infants; neonatology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unità Operativa Complessa di Neonatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
Interests: preterm infants; neonatology; pediatric pneumology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major clinical challenge. It is estimated that nearly 50% of infants with a birth weight below 1000 g develop BPD, with its prevalence increasing as gestational age decreases. BPD is a leading cause of adverse long-term outcomes in children, being associated with recurrent airway and pulmonary infections, poor weight gain, and limitations in physical activity. Although survival rates among extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants have improved due to advances in neonatal intensive care, BPD continues to represent a significant complication of prematurity.

We believe that bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to represent a highly relevant and evolving topic in neonatology. As a multifactorial disease, it offers new perspectives for both prevention and therapeutic strategies. BPD remains a dynamic area of research, constantly inspiring innovative approaches to improve outcomes for premature infants.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect and present novel research that provides healthcare professionals with fresh insights into this complex condition. In particular, we seek to highlight and promote ideas that may translate into improved clinical practice, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of our youngest patients.

We are fully aware that the topic is broad in scope; therefore, we welcome submissions of various types. Although original research articles will be given priority, high-quality reviews and case reports are also encouraged. Given the practical focus of this Special Issue, we are especially interested in manuscripts that explore actionable strategies for the prevention of BPD, as well as studies addressing emerging therapies, innovative treatment approaches and protocols, and best practices for long-term follow-up of affected infants.

Dr. Alessandro Perri
Dr. Simona Fattore
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • ELBW
  • BPD
  • neonates
  • bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • prevention
  • treatment

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

22 pages, 2780 KB  
Review
Lung Function Trajectories After Preterm Birth: A Life-Course Approach to Age-Specific Monitoring
by Dorina Hoxha, Ilaria Bucci, Sabrina Di Pillo, Francesco Chiarelli, Marina Attanasi and Paola Di Filippo
Children 2026, 13(4), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13040500 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 422
Abstract
Preterm birth interrupts critical phases of lung development and is associated with long-term alterations in respiratory structure and function. While bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has traditionally been considered the principal determinant of adverse outcomes, accumulating evidence indicates that prematurity per se contributes substantially to [...] Read more.
Preterm birth interrupts critical phases of lung development and is associated with long-term alterations in respiratory structure and function. While bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has traditionally been considered the principal determinant of adverse outcomes, accumulating evidence indicates that prematurity per se contributes substantially to persistent pulmonary impairment. Lung function trajectories in preterm-born children frequently track along lower percentiles from infancy into adolescence and early adulthood, with limited catch-up growth and increased vulnerability to chronic airflow limitation. Assessment of lung function requires a developmentally tailored approach, as feasibility and interpretability vary across age groups. In infancy, non-volitional techniques such as tidal breathing flow-volume loop analysis and raised-volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression allow early evaluation of respiratory mechanics. During toddlerhood, methodological limitations persist, although emerging technologies may expand feasibility. In preschool children, impulse oscillometry enables detection of small airway dysfunction, often preceding spirometric abnormalities. From school age onward, spirometry, body plethysmography, diffusing capacity, and multiple breath washout provide complementary information on obstructive, restrictive, and gas-exchange impairments. Longitudinal studies demonstrate that reduced lung function is not confined to children with BPD and may predispose to early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like phenotypes. Early identification of abnormal trajectories and modifiable risk factors supports structured long-term follow-up and preventive strategies. Standardization of age-specific assessment protocols and harmonization of reference values are essential to improve risk stratification and optimize long-term respiratory outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Children: Early Diagnosis and Treatment)
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20 pages, 7714 KB  
Review
Physiology-Based Diagnosis and Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Associated Pulmonary Hypertension (BPD-PH)
by Yogen Singh, Sfurti Nath, Sheen Gahlaut and Belinda Chan
Children 2026, 13(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020272 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 946
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major long-term morbidity among preterm infants. As lung-protective strategies advance and survival of extremely premature neonates improves, BPD has evolved from a ventilator-induced inflammatory and fibrotic process to a disease marked by arrested pulmonary vascular and alveolar development—pulmonary [...] Read more.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major long-term morbidity among preterm infants. As lung-protective strategies advance and survival of extremely premature neonates improves, BPD has evolved from a ventilator-induced inflammatory and fibrotic process to a disease marked by arrested pulmonary vascular and alveolar development—pulmonary vascular disease. Within this evolving phenotype, pulmonary hypertension (PH) has emerged as a critical yet underrecognized complication. BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) is increasingly linked to higher mortality and worse clinical outcomes, but its pathophysiology, screening strategies to detect early changes, and optimal management remain incompletely understood. This review delineates the pathophysiology of BPD-PH, linking impaired pulmonary vascular development with subsequent maladaptation influenced by genetic, prenatal, and postnatal factors. The phenotypic and hemodynamic spectrum of BPD-PH is further subclassified using echocardiographic markers to support a physiology-based approach to diagnosis and management. We also propose a pragmatic algorithm for screening, evaluation, and longitudinal follow-up. Collectively, this review highlights the need for physiology-driven strategies and clinical studies to improve outcomes in these neonates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Children: Early Diagnosis and Treatment)
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