Modulators of inflammation in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Over 50 years after its first description, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) remains a devastating pulmonary complication in preterm infants with respiratory failure and develops in 30–50% of infants less than 1000-gram birth weight. It is thought to involve ventilator- and oxygen-induced damage to an immature lung that results in an inflammatory response and ends in aberrant lung development with dysregulated angiogenesis and alveolarization. Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with this most common chronic lung disease of childhood. Thus, any therapies that decrease the incidence or severity of this condition would have significant impact on morbidity, mortality, human costs, and healthcare expenditure. It is clear that an inflammatory response and the elaboration of growth factors and cytokines are associated with the development of BPD. Numerous approaches to control the inflammatory process leading to the development of BPD have been attempted. This review will examine the anti-inflammatory approaches that are established or hold promise for the prevention or treatment of BPD.