Incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality of very low birth weight infants in Vojvodina

Introduction/Objective The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) varies depending on the prematurity rate, definition, and therapy that are applied at a certain center. The average incidence of BPD for very low birth weight infants (VLBW) in developed countries ranges 4-53%. The mortality of VLBW infants is high and represents 50% of the total neonatal and infant mortality. In recent years, the survival limits are shifted towards lower gestations. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and severity of BPD in VLBW infants in Vojvodina and the overall mortality. Methods This retrospective study was conducted from January 2006 to December 2011 and included 504 infants with birth weight < 1,500 g. Results In the total premature infants' population, 82.3% survived by the gestational age of 36 weeks. According to the original definition of BPD, as supplemental oxygen use at 28 days of life, BPD had 45.4% of infants. According to the severity based definition 19.4% had mild BPD, 19.8% moderate BPD and 6.5% severe BPD. If BPD is observed as supplemental oxygen use at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, BPD had 26% of infants. Conclusion The overall mortality and incidence of BPD in our study are comparable to those in some developed countries and lower compared to underdeveloped countries.