Which of the following is a common outcome of prolonged ventilation in preterm infants?

Which of the following is a common outcome of prolonged ventilation in preterm infants?

• A. Increased lung capacity
• B. Development of chronic lung disease
• C. Improved feeding tolerance
• D. Enhanced cognitive function

Answer: (B)

Prolonged ventilation in preterm infants is associated with the development of chronic lung disease, commonly referred to as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This condition arises as a result of the injury to the lungs caused by mechanical ventilation, particularly when high pressures and oxygen levels are used to assist breathing in these vulnerable infants. The delicate lung tissue of preterm infants is not fully developed, making them more susceptible to injury from the invasive nature of ventilation. As a result, they may experience inflammation, scarring, and altered lung development, leading to long-term respiratory issues. Chronic lung disease can significantly impact their overall health, leading to recurrent respiratory infections and a prolonged need for supplemental oxygen or respiratory support. In contrast, the other options do not typically result from prolonged ventilation. Increased lung capacity and improved feeding tolerance are generally not outcomes associated with prolonged ventilation; instead, these conditions may actually be hindered by the presence of respiratory distress or lung damage. Enhanced cognitive function is also not a direct outcome of prolonged ventilation, as cognitive development can be impacted by many factors, including the infant's overall health status and the early life environment, rather than just respiratory support alone. Thus, chronic lung disease is the most relevant and documented outcome of prolonged ventilation in

Prolonged ventilation in preterm infants is associated with the development of chronic lung disease, commonly referred to as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This condition arises as a result of the injury to the lungs caused by mechanical ventilation, particularly when high pressures and oxygen levels are used to assist breathing in these vulnerable infants.

The delicate lung tissue of preterm infants is not fully developed, making them more susceptible to injury from the invasive nature of ventilation. As a result, they may experience inflammation, scarring, and altered lung development, leading to long-term respiratory issues. Chronic lung disease can significantly impact their overall health, leading to recurrent respiratory infections and a prolonged need for supplemental oxygen or respiratory support.

In contrast, the other options do not typically result from prolonged ventilation. Increased lung capacity and improved feeding tolerance are generally not outcomes associated with prolonged ventilation; instead, these conditions may actually be hindered by the presence of respiratory distress or lung damage. Enhanced cognitive function is also not a direct outcome of prolonged ventilation, as cognitive development can be impacted by many factors, including the infant's overall health status and the early life environment, rather than just respiratory support alone. Thus, chronic lung disease is the most relevant and documented outcome of prolonged ventilation in