Home » ENT Updates

Upper Airway Manifestations and Otolaryngologic Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

Mohammed Almutairi
Dental Department, Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, King Khalid Military City, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
Sahar Alomari
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, Al-Baha university, Al-Baha 65779, Saudi Arabia
Nujood Alomari
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, Al-Baha university, Al-Baha 65779, Saudi Arabia
Fahdah Aldhafeeri
Department of‏ health care & family medicine, Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, King Khalid Military City, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
Abeer Almutairi
Social worker Department, Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, King Khalid Military City, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
Wajan Alqathanin
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
Hind Aljifri
Faculty of Medicine, Fakeeh College of Medical Sciences, Jeddah 23323, Saudi Arabia
Sarah Alsaggaf
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
Khaled Halawany
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, Armed Forces Hospital, Wadi ad-Dawasir 18511, Saudi Arabia
Dana Alhunaiti
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
Hadeel Al-Qahtani
Doctor of Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
Alla Felemban
Pediatrics Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah 23433, Saudi Arabia
Amal Alshehri
Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
Mashael Alsubaie
Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 16278, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Kanan
Department of Pharmacy, Rafha General Hospital, Northern Border Health Cluster, Rafha 76321, Saudi Arabia
Received: 23 May 2025
Published: 21 July 2025

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex chronic lung disorder that affects extremely premature infants, particularly those born before 30 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1500 g at birth. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for BPD and to explore otolaryngologic manifestations and management strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, yielding five studies that met the inclusion criteria. The studies investigated the effects of corticosteroids (prednisolone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone), erythropoietin, and diuretics on BPD outcomes. Prednisolone showed minimal short-term benefits, whereas hydrocortisone did not significantly reduce the incidence of BPD. However, extended dexamethasone regimens have been shown to improve survival rates without increasing complications. Early erythropoietin treatment reduced the incidence of BPD but did not affect hospital readmission rates. Diuretic use varied widely across centers, without clear survival or discharge benefits. Preterm infants with severe BPD requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation are at a high risk of subglottic stenosis, tracheomalacia, and vocal cord paralysis. Early diagnosis through airway endoscopy and multidisciplinary management, including tracheostomy for severe cases, are crucial for optimizing outcomes. BPD survivors may experience long-term respiratory impairment, exercise intolerance, and developmental delays, necessitating close monitoring and intervention. Future research should focus on developing standardized, evidence-based management protocols and exploring novel therapies to improve long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population group.

Keywords

References

×