Ultrasound Assessment of Diaphragmatic Function in Infants With BPD

Preterm infants have high and prolonged exposure to positive pressure ventilation, which contributes to acute lung injury and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Despite the risk of diaphragmatic dysfunction in infants with BPD, the effect of prolonged ventilator support on the diaphragmatic function of preterm infants has not been well characterized. Hence, we aim to characterize the diaphragmatic function of very preterm neonates with BPD who are corrected to ≥ 36 weeks using bedside ultrasound in comparison to healthy newborns born at ≥ 36 weeks gestation.