Incidence and Risk Factors of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Infants Below 32 Weeks of Gestation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Clinical Science Branch, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

2 Associate Professor, Clinical Science Branch, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

10.22038/psj.2025.90997.1488

Abstract

Introduction:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major cause of morbidity in preterm infants, particularly those born at <32 weeks of gestation. This study aimed to determine the incidence and severity of BPD and identify associated risk factors in a high-risk neonatal population in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted over 12 months (January–December 2025) across two tertiary NICUs. Preterm infants born at <32 weeks and admitted within 24 hours of birth were included. Data were extracted from medical records, and BPD was diagnosed and graded at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.
Results:
Twenty preterm infants were included. Most were male (70%) and had a birth weight between 500–999 g (70%). BPD incidence was 100%, with 16 (80%) cases classified as severe and 4 (20%) as moderate. Recurrent apnea was experienced by 10 (50%) infants and was the only factor significantly associated with BPD severity (p=0.043). Other factors, including gestational age, birth weight, mechanical ventilation, and antenatal steroid administration, showed no significant association. Logistic regression revealed no statistically significant predictors of BPD severity.
Conclusion:
The study found a high incidence of severe BPD among infants born before 32 weeks. Recurrent apnea was significantly associated with severe BPD, indicating a need for early detection and targeted interventions. Larger multicenter studies with extended follow-up are needed to validate these findings and better understand the multifactorial etiology of BPD.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 41-49

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