Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 6-26-2022

Abstract

Chronic Lung Diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are likely the most feared respiratory complication of premature birth. It is characterized by a cessation in lung development that requires the use of oxygen supplemental oxygen and a ventilator and it can lead to long-term pulmonary and neurologic complications. This is combated with the use of postnatal steroids to act as an anti-inflammatory agent to help improve lung function. However, postnatal steroids have become less and less popular in recent years due to the several complications that can arise with their use. This is especially the case if the steroids are being used inappropriately such as in either inappropriate timing or inappropriate patient selection. However, there is a Web-based BPD estimator developed in 2011 by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) using data from the Neonatal Research Network. According to Guidelines for the use of postnatal steroids (DART) in patients at risk of developing chronic lung disease (CLD), “The estimator uses readily available demographic and respiratory support data to provide objective estimates of risk for BPD of varying severity and for the competing outcome of death.” It is suggested that this tool be implemented by health care practitioners to identify which infants would truly benefit from the steroid treatment. The goal of the study being performed at Driscoll Children's Hospital (DCH) is to determine if we can improve the appropriate use of DART therapy by implementing the NICHD estimator.

Academic Level

medical student

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