Airway damage of prematurity: The impact of prolonged intubation, ventilation, and chronic lung disease

SummaryOver the past four decades, advances in neonatal intensive care have led to the survival of smaller and more immature infants. The improved survival of very low birth weight infants is associated with long term respiratory morbidity, most frequently in the form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this review, we will discuss the pathogenesis, risk factor as well as management of commonly seen acquired airway disorders associated with prematurity, prolonged intubation and ventilation.