Table II.

Identification of unique research needs to enhance our understanding of sBPD (Modified from Collaco et al²⁴)

Epidemiology To quantify the current incidence of sBPD among preterm infants To understand the natural history and outcomes of sBPD by large prospective studies in different areas of the world To understand the economic impact of sBPD on families and society To understand the impact of sBPD on quality of life in infants and their families

Risk factors To identify prenatal and postnatal factors that increase risk of developing sBPD in preterm infants To identify risk factors that may exacerbate sBPD in preterm infants, including viral infections, lower respiratory tract disease, upper airway obstruction, intermittent hypoxia and hypercarbia, feeding problems with aspiration, and gastroesophageal reflux To understand the role of pulmonary vascular disease in determining the severity of BPD

Pathophysiology To further identify clinical, epidemiologic and biomarker features to better phenotype subtypes of sBPD To identify genetic and epigenetic factors that influence the development and severity of sBPD

Diagnosis To determine the best non-invasive studies for diagnosis and following infants with sBPD

Management To develop guidelines for treatment and preventative strategies for preterm infants at risk for the development of sBPD To determine the optimal prescription of existing medications in preterm infants with sBPD To determine optimal ventilatory strategies in the neonatal intensive care unit and home settings To identify newer therapeutic agents for the treatment of sBPD