Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia–Pulmonary Hypertension (BPD–PH) Severity Classification: Explanation and Clinical Context BPD–PH is a serious complication of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants, associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Classification of severity combines oxygen requirement at 36 weeks postmenstrual age and echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension.
Mild BPD-PH indicates low oxygen requirement with mild PH on echo; moderate BPD-PH reflects higher oxygen support or moderate PH; severe BPD-PH indicates significant oxygen dependence with severe PH findings.
This classification helps guide management decisions, monitor disease progression, and inform prognosis.
Reference:
Jensen EA, et al. "Classification of pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia." J Pediatr. 2019;205:80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.08.053