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Alfred Gest, MD
Dr. Alfred Gest specializes in caring for lung disease in the very smallest infants.
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Dublin Clinic

5665 Venture Drive
Dublin, OH 43205
(614) 722-4528
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Comprehensive Center for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

 

What is BPD?

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a multifaceted disease that affects both premature and low birth weight infants who spend longer periods of time on oxygen and mechanical ventilation.

Modern Diagnostic Criteria for BPD

Classification of BPD

Definition

Mild

Oxygen requirement at greater than or equal to 28 days of life, but not at 36 weeks post conceptual age.

Moderate

Less than 30% oxygen requirement at 36 weeks post conceptual age

Severe

Greater than or equal to 30% oxygen requirement or IMV at 36 weeks post conceptual age

Abbreviations:  BPD, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; IMV, Intermittent mandatory ventilation

Jobe, AH, Bancalari, E.  NICHD/NHLBI/ORD workshop summary:  bronchopulmonary dysplasia.  American Journal Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 2001; 163:  1723-1729.

Ehrenkranz, RA, Walsh, MC, Vohr, BR, Jobe, AH, Wright, LL, Fanaroff, AA, Wrage, LA, Poole, K.  Validation of the National Institutes of Health consensus definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.  Pediatrics 2005; 116:  1353-1360.

Program Overview

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) encompasses all of the medical problems associated with impaired lung function, as well as the growth, development, and social functioning of the patient and family. The Comprehensive Center for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is comprised of an interdisciplinary team that addresses the medical, nutritional, developmental, and social needs of patients and families in a single location.  The center, which is available on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, is designed to minimize emergency room visits and hospital readmissions.

Nationwide Children’s unique approach to the management of BPD attracts families from across the country.  Patients receive specialized treatment, and families return home with specific treatment plans for their children. Additionally, there is a commitment to on-going consultation between Nationwide Children’s and the patient’s primary care physician. 

Outcomes

Since the development of the BPD program in 2004, our hospital readmission rate for patients with BPD has decreased from 33% to between 3% and 9%.

Quality Improvement/Research Initiatives

Improvement work is currently underway regarding the flow of patients and families from the inpatient to the outpatient sections of the BPD program. Current areas of focus include:

  • Parental empowerment and involvement

  • Health literacy

  • Patient outcomes

In addition, as part of their developmental plans, patients are followed beyond the usual neonatal period in order to gather data on long-term growth, nutrition, and development. This information is used to guide future therapies and the direction of the overall program for prevention, management, and follow-up of BPD.

Publications/Presentations