Physical Activity Program Improves Functional Exercise Capacity and Flexibility in Extremely Preterm Children With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Aged 4-6 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial / Mejora de la capacidad funcional al ejercicio y de la flexibilidad a través de un programa de actividad física en niños de entre 4 a 6 años prematuros extremos con displasia broncopulmonar: ensayo controlado aleatorizado

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication of extreme preterm delivery, and is associated with reduced exercise tolerance and exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a physical activity programme on exercise tolerance, exercise capacity, flexibility, and lung function in prematurely born children with BPD. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Preterm children with BPD (4-6 years) were randomized to intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. The CG did not participate in any physical activity during the study period. The IG performed a 4-week exercise programme based on aerobic interval and resistance training. Outcomes were based on the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), modified sit and reach test (MSRT) and spirometry results. Results: Twenty individuals were recruited. In the IG (n = 10), statistical and clinical improvement was observed in the 6MWT (316.3 ± 31.4 m vs 376.2 ± 39.5m; P = .002). Significant improvements were also seen in the IG in the ISWT (248.0 ± 45. 2m vs 465.3 ± 58.2 m; P=.013), MSRT (14.5 ± 7.7 cm vs 22.8 ± 6.9 cm; P = .003), and FEV1 (102% ± 16% pred vs 104% ± 17% pred; P = .004). No significant differences between pre- and post-intervention were observed in the CG for all outcomes (n = 10). Conclusion: This 4-week programme resulted in statistical and clinical improvements in exercise tolerance, exercise capacity and flexibility in preterm children with BPD

Introducción: La displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) es una secuela frecuente entre los prematuros extremos, asociándose a una reducción en la tolerancia y en la capacidad al ejercicio. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar los efectos de un programa de entrenamiento basado en la tolerancia y en la capacidad al ejercicio, la flexibilidad y la función pulmonar en niños prematuros con DBP. Métodos: El ensayo clínico se hizo con niños prematuros con DBP (de 4 a 6 años), aleatorizados en 2 grupos, control (GC) e intervención (GI). El GC no participó en ninguna actividad física durante el estudio. El GI realizó un programa interválico y de resistencia de 4 semanas. Se evaluó el Six Minute Walking test (6MWT), el Incremental Shuttle Walk test (ISWT), el Modified Sit and Reach test (MSRT) y la espirometría. Resultados: Se reclutaron 20 niños. No se observaron diferencias significativas entre la pre- y la postintervención en el GC (n = 10). En el 6MWT se observó una mejoría significativa y clínica (316,3 ± 31,4 m vs. 376,2 ± 39,5 m; p=0,002) al final de la intervención en el GI (n = 10). El ISWT (248,0 ± 45,2 m vs. 465,3 ± 58,2 m; p = 0,013), el MSRT (14,5 ± 7,7 cm vs. 22,8 ± 6,9 cm; p=0,003) y la FEV1 (102 ± 16% pred vs. 104 ± 17% pred; p = 0,004) también mejoraron significativamente en el GI. Conclusiones: Este programa de 4 semanas, mejora estadísticamente y clínicamente la tolerancia y la capacidad al ejercicio, y la flexibilidad en niños prematuros con DBP

An update on the post-NICU discharge management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease which develops as a result of neonatal/perinatal lung injury. It is the commonest cause of chronic lung disease in infancy and the most frequent morbidity associated with prematurity. The incidence of BPD has continued to rise despite many advances in neonatal care and this increase has been attributed to the increased survival of younger and more premature babies. There have been many advances in the care of patients with early and evolving BPD, yet there is a paucity of data regarding outpatient management of patients with established BPD. There are limited adequately-powered high-quality studies/randomized controlled trials which assess commonly used therapies such as supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators, steroids and diuretics in patients with BPD, beyond short-term effects. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of the role of currently used treatments on the long-term outcomes of patients with established BPD, post-discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit.

The optimization of home oxygen weaning in premature infants trial: Design, rationale, methods, and lessons learned.

Improved survival among preterm infants has led to an increase in diagnosis of chronic lung disease and infants discharged home from the NICU on supplemental oxygen. Despite this increased prevalence, no clearly defined guidelines for the management of home oxygen therapy (HOT) exist. This lack of consensus leads to significant variability in the duration of home oxygen therapy and a general paucity of evidence-based practice. Our team has identified recorded home oxygen therapy (RHO) as a potential new resource to guide clinical decision making in the outpatient pulmonology clinic. By recording extended O2 saturation data during the weaning process, RHO has the potential to save cost and improve the processes of HOT management. Our team is currently supporting a prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial of RHO guided HOT weaning with the aims of determining effect upon duration of HOT, perceived parent quality of life and effect upon growth and respiratory outcomes. We plan to randomize 196 infants into one of two study arms evaluating standard HOT management versus RHO guided oxygen weaning. Our primary outcomes are total HOT duration and parental quality of life. This trial represents an unprecedented opportunity to test a novel home monitoring intervention for weaning within a vulnerable yet quickly growing population. If effective, the use of RHO may provide clinicians a tool for safe weaning.

Why do children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia not attend neonatal follow-up care? Parental views of barriers.

AIM: To assess in children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia at a corrected age of 18-36 months: (i) Neonatal follow-up clinic attendance rates; (ii) Parent-identified reasons for difficulty attending neonatal follow-up. METHODS: Mixed methods study utilising semi-structured phone interviews with parents of infants eligible for follow-up with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (defined as gestational age <32 weeks and requiring ≥30% FiO2 and/or >2 L nasal cannula at 36 weeks post-menstrual age) at 18-36 months corrected age. Questions addressed barriers to neonatal follow-up attendance. Enrolment continued to saturation (no new themes emerging). RESULTS: A total of 58 infants (69% male) were enrolled. Infants were 26 ± 2.1 weeks gestational age and birth weight 794 ± 262 g. At 28 ± 5.8 months corrected age, 26% had never attended neonatal follow-up clinic, 16% stopped attending before discharge, 5% were discharged, and 53% were still followed. Longer travel distance from home to follow-up clinic was associated with poorer attendance. Parent-generated items related to neonatal follow-up barriers were coded into four themes: Logistics, Time, Perceptions and Emotional Stress. CONCLUSION: Despite high risk of developmental delay in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal follow-up rates are suboptimal. Careful review of parent-identified barriers could be utilised to develop targeted strategies to improve neonatal follow-up attendance in this high-risk population.

Pulmonary sequelae and functional limitations in children and adults with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) often suffer from life-long pulmonary impairments in pulmonary physical function. This review summarizes our current understanding of the chronic pulmonary impairments and physical functional limitations associated with BPD from preterm birth to adulthood. It also identifies opportunities for intervention in children and adults living with chronic lung disease (CLD) after preterm birth.

Executive functioning deficits in young adult survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

PURPOSE: To assess long-term impairments of executive functioning in adult survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHOD: Participants were assessed on measures of executive functioning, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and social functioning. Survivors of BPD (n = 63; 34 males; mean age 24.2 years) were compared with groups comprising preterm (without BPD) (<1500 g; n = 45) and full-term controls (n = 63). Analysis of variance was used to explore differences among groups for outcome measures. Multiple regression analyzes were performed to identify factors predictive of long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Significantly more BPD adults, compared with preterm and term controls, showed deficits in executive functioning relating to problem solving (OR: 5.1, CI: 1.4-19.3), awareness of behavior (OR: 12.7, CI: 1.5-106.4) and organization of their environment (OR: 13.0, CI: 1.6-107.1). Birth weight, HRQoL and social functioning were predictive of deficits in executive functioning. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest sample of survivors into adulthood of BPD and is the first to show that deficits in executive functioning persist. Children with BPD should be assessed to identify cognitive impairments and allow early intervention aimed at ameliorating their effects. Implications for Rehabilitation Adults born preterm with very-low birth weight, and particularly those who develop BPD, are at increased risk of exhibiting defects in executive functioning. Clinicians and educators should be made aware of the impact that BPD can have on the long-term development of executive functions. Children and young adults identified as having BPD should be periodically monitored to identify the need for possible intervention.

Importancia del tratamiento de Fisioterapia en el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria y en la displasia broncopulmonar / Importance of Physiotherapy in respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

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Laser photocoagulation in patients with retinopathy of prematurity undergoing chest physiotherapy.

The authors report the correlation between chest physiotherapy and increased risk of vitreous hemorrhage after laser photocoagulation therapy in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Two premature neonates, the first born at 26 weeks and the second at 31 weeks gestational age, both underwent chest physiotherapy, the first for congenital cystic fibrosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the second for premature alveolar atelectasis. Both were diagnosed as having ROP that necessitated laser photocoagulation treatment at 34 and 37 weeks, respectively. The first patient developed bilateral vitreous hemorrhage and bilateral cataracts. The second patient developed vitreous hemorrhage in one eye. Chest physiotherapy in neonates with ROP significantly increases the risk of hemorrhage after laser photocoagulation in an otherwise fragile retinal vasculature.

Epidemiological characteristics and resource use in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: 1993-2006.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trends in incidence of diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and associated health services use for the neonatal hospitalization of patients with BPD in an era of changing definitions and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All neonatal hospitalization records available through the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1993-2006, were analyzed. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for incidence of BPD diagnosis and associated hospital length of stay and charges. Multiple models were constructed to assess the roles of changes in diagnosis of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates and different modalities of respiratory support used for treatment. RESULTS: The absolute incidence of diagnosis of BPD fell 3.3% annually (P = .0009) between 1993 and 2006 coincident with a 3.5-fold increase in the use of noninvasive respiratory support in patients with BPD. When data were controlled for demographic factors, this significant decrease in incidence persisted at a rate of 4.3% annually (P = .0002). All models demonstrated a rise in hospital length of stay and financial charges for the neonatal hospitalization of patients with BPD. The incidence of BPD adjusted for frequency of prolonged mechanical ventilation also decreased but only by 2.8% annually (P = .0075). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of diagnosis of BPD decreased significantly between 1993 and 2006. In well-controlled models, birth hospitalization charges for these patients rose during the same period. Less invasive ventilatory support may improve respiratory outcomes of VLBW neonates.

Displasia broncopulmonar: perfil dos recém-nascidos pré-termo no Hospital Universitário Norte do Paraná nos anos de 2000 a 2005 / Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: profile of the preterm newborns born in the North of Paraná University Hospital in the years 2000-2005

Objetivo: Conhecer as características pré, peri e pós-natais e verificar a evolução dos recém-nascidos pré-termos (RNPT) com diagnóstico de displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) nascidos entre 2000 e 2005 no Hospital Universitário Norte do Paraná (HUNPR). Materiais e métodos: Realizado um estudo descritivo. Resultados: Verificou-se que a idade gestacional média foi de 27,3 ± 3 semanas e dois dias e o peso médio ao nascer foi 985,4 ± 310,9 gramas 20 RN (55,6%) foram do sexo masculino e 16 (44,4%) do feminino. Dos RNPT, 24 (66,7%) utilizaram surfactante, o tempo médio de uso de ventilação mecânica foi de 28,6 ± 18,9 dias, com 12,4 ± 9,1 dias em CPAP e a FiO2máx% média foi de 88,8 ± 18,2%. O tempo médio de internação foi de 99,4 ± 53,5 dias 3,4 ± 3,3 tiveram em média outras reinternações nos primeiros anos de vida, sendo 82,6% devido a problemas respiratórios. A idade média das mães foi de 26 ± 7 anos 34 (94,4%) realizaram pré-natal, 22 (61,1%) partos foram cesáreas e 14 (38,9%) normais 16 (44,4%) utilizaram corticoide antenatal. Durante o período de internação na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva neonatal (UTI) 18 (50,0%) dos RN realizaram fisioterapia e 11 (30,6%) realizam fisioterapia atualmente. Conclusão: Observou-se que os RNPT com DBP nascidos no HUNPR foram os de menores idades gestacionais e baixo peso de nascimento e que necessitaram de tempo prolongado em ventilação mecânica. Tais fatores, associados ao tempo de internação neonatal prolongado, implicam em reinternações frequentes, verificando-se a necessidade de acompanhamento clínico multiprofissional nos primeiros anos de vida.

Interdisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of an 18-year-old patient with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, using telerehabilitation technology.

We describe the use of telehealth technology in the rehabilitation of a college student with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The present telerehabilitation application was necessitated by the absence of a formal university-based pulmonary rehabilitation program at Texas State University-San Marcos. Patient referral, evaluation, and rehabilitation were accomplished via interdisciplinary efforts of 3 separate university entities. Initial referral was obtained from the student health center, with pulmonary evaluation provided by the respiratory care department. Commercially available telerehabilitation equipment was then utilized to resolve exercise supervision and physiologic data-acquisition concerns. Forty-five individualized exercise sessions were administered by physical therapists via telerehabilitation distance voice and vision technology. Results reveal no substantive changes in pulmonary function test results, but there was improvement in functional aerobic capacity. Given the reduced life expectancy associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, investigators were afforded a unique opportunity to study an adult patient with this condition. Further, it appears the combined application of telerehabilitation technology and interdisciplinary cooperation among university departments is efficacious in the identification, evaluation, and rehabilitation of students with selected pulmonary disorders.

The changing face of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Part 2. Discharging an infant home on oxygen.

Transitioning an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) home on oxygen is a complex process. It requires an interdisciplinary team, with clear but flexible discharge criteria, and a coordinated process to manage the complexity. In "The Changing Face of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Part I" (Advances in Neonatal Care, December 2002, pp 327-338), the evolving nature of BPD was presented, along with new diagnostic criteria, a description of the risk factors and clinical profile of this condition, and a discussion of preventative strategies as well as the medical and neurodevelopmental outcomes. "The Changing Face of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Part 2. Discharging an Infant Home on Oxygen" provides strategies to support families during the pivotal transition home on oxygen and other related technologies. The use of a systematic interdisciplinary discharge planning process, guided by clear criteria for discharge, is presented. An outline of the comprehensive discharge teaching, home care, and multispecialty follow-up that are necessary to ensure a safe and smooth transition into the community to avoid repeat or unnecessary rehospitalizations and to enhance outcomes is provided. Medical fragility persists in infants with BPD, placing additional stress on families. Pragmatic strategies to provide intensive parent support throughout the process are offered.

Feeding interactions in infants with very low birth weight and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) are at increased risk for feeding disorders that can affect growth and development. One hundred and forty one mother-infant pairs were compared [55 with infants with high medical risk due to infant VLBW and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 34 VLBW without BPD, and 52 term infants] on operationally defined measures of feeding behaviors and maternal self-report of depression and anxiety. Mothers of VLBW infants with and without BPD spent more time prompting their infants to feed when their infants engaged in nonfeeding behavior. Despite increased maternal efforts, infants with BPD took in less formula, spent less time sucking, and spent a greater proportion of time nonfeeding. VLBW infants without BPD were equivalent to term infants in percentage of time sucking and in volume of formula ingested and were more likely to take in higher calories than infants with BPD. Mothers of VLBW infants with and without BPD were also more likely to report clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety than mothers of term infants. Because mothers of VLBW infants who were more depressed or anxious were less likely to verbally prompt their infants to eat, maternal psychological symptoms should be considered in assessing interactions of VLBW mother-infant dyads.

Outcomes and problems in pediatric pulmonary rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To provide baseline information on the state of pediatric pulmonary rehabilitation, including data regarding diagnosis, age, gender, race, gestational age, disposition, medications, complications, procedures, consultations, pulmonary status, and outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Pediatric pulmonary rehabilitation unit of a pediatric rehabilitation hospital that is free-standing, but that receives most of its referrals from a tertiary care pediatric hospital. PATIENTS: All patients (70 subjects) who had completed a course of inpatient rehabilitation over the 5-yr life of the hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive data were collected in regard to the objectives. In addition, outcome measures were developed for this study. They include measurements of developmental equivalence at admission and discharge and the changes in these scores, both actual and expected. RESULTS: Descriptive characteristics are listed in the text. Forty-six patients had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The success rate of weaning those with BPD who were admitted with a goal of ventilator weaning was 81% (24% for those without BPD). On admission, 36 of those with BPD required three pulmonary aids (O2, continuous positive airway pressure, ventilator, and tracheostomy); at discharge, 28 required three aids. Of those without BPD, 16 required three aids at admission and 14 did so at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Basic descriptive data are provided. The characteristics are similar to those in previous studies, although with a larger sample size and more detail. The outcome measures described cannot be compared with a criterion standard, but do offer a starting point in this underdeveloped field and will assist in future research directions.

Early transfer to a rehabilitation hospital for infants with chronic bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Shortly after being weaned off the respirator, 43 infants with severe chronic bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were transferred from an intensive-care nursery at a teaching hospital to an affiliated children's rehabilitation hospital in a program that included special staff instruction. Morbidity, measured by rate of transfer back to the acute-care hospital, was lower than in a comparison group of 15 infants treated for severe BPD during the previous two years. Average length of stay was significantly shortened and an average of $60,000 per patient was saved. Using a rehabilitation hospital as a step-down unit shifts the emphasis from acute needs to chronic and developmental needs and from intensive monitoring and nursing care to care given at home by parents with nursing assistance.