Evaluation of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia using cardiac catheterization
Berman, W.; Yabek, S.M.; Dillon, T.; Burstein, R.; Corlew, S.
Pediatrics 70(5): 708-712
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7133822 Document Number: 191711
Nine infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia underwent cardiac catheterization to define thier circulatory status. In room air, the mean cardiac index was normal (3.4 liters/min/sq m), but pulmonary arterial pressure (39 mm Hg, mean) and pulmonary vascular resistance (8.6 Wood units . sq m) were elevated. Preejection period/right ventricular ejection time ratios determined echocardiographically correlated well with values obtained at catheterization, but did not correlate well with hemodynamic values. Administration of 40% and 88% oxygen caused variable responses in hemodynamic measurements. Studies of left ventricular function were normal in all patients. These findings raise questions about the long-term prognosis of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.