Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)


For our purposes, chronic lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are synonymous terms referring to the long-term sequelae of respiratory distress syndrome. Oxygen toxicity and positive pressure ventilation are thought to result in pulmonary inflammation with subsequent fibrosis.

Clinically, CLD is defined as continued oxygen needs and CXR abnormalities beyond 28 days of life or 36 weeks gestational age. The radiographic manifestations of CLD are diffuse interstitial thickening with hyperinflation. The most severe form manifests in cystic changes in the lungs. Steroid therapy may result in improvement and prevention of CLD.