RESUMO
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common complications of the respiratory system in preterm infants, particularly in infants with the gestational age<32 weeks or the birth weight<1 500 g. The incidence of BPD did not decrease during the last twenty years.It is characterized by alveolar and microvascular dysplasia, presenting with less alveolar counts, enlarged and simplistic structure and slight airway damage.BPD patients may be oxygen-dependent and need repeated mechanical ventilation for a long time after birth.The lung function of BPD patients included normal large airway function, small airway dysfunction and decreased compliance that may last well till adulthood.The incidence of respiratory symptoms like cough and wheeze, as well as respiratory diseases like inflammation and asthma significantly increased, and may even impair growth and the development of the neurological system.In some patients it may develop into the chronic lung disease in adulthood.