Respiratory polygraphy in subjects with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a retrospective study

Background: Periodic assessment of the need for oxygen supplementation and/or mechanical ventilation in children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is crucial. The aim of the study was to analyze the indications and results of respiratory polygraphies (RP) performed in preterm infants with BPD followed at a tertiary university hospital. Methods: All subjects <5-year-old with BPD who had a RP between September and February 2018 were included. The indications and results of RP and consequent medical management were analyzed. Results: Fourteen infants (9 females, mean gestational age 27.6±3.3 weeks) underwent a RP at mean age of 26.4±19.4 months. Five subjects were evaluated for the need of long-term respiratory support (RS), 3 started continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), 2 were weaned from RS. Four subjects underwent RP for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), one started on CPAP. Central apnea syndrome (CSA) was confirmed in 2 subjects and one was started on non-invasive ventilation. RP allowed safe tracheostomy decannulation in 2 subjects. Finally, RP was normal in one subject who had a brief resolved unexplained event. Conclusions: RP represents an important tool for the evaluation of children with BPD and leads to important therapeutic decisions.