BPD? what is it?

Nurse Ratched, RN · Feb 19, 2003

BPD is usually borderline personality disorder. Have occasionally seen bipolar disorder abbreviated that way. Lots of stuff on it under the psych forum :).

bestblondRN · Feb 19, 2003

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. It's a condition seen in preemies with RDS or hyaline membrane disease, and generally follows being ventilated for a period of time. It results from prematurity and the immaturity of the lungs coupled with the damage done by oxygen (even though they need it) and mechanical ventilation. It is considered a chronic condition and has even been seen in adults with lung dysfunction as well.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Feb 19, 2003

In a "lil gal" BPD is most likely bronchopulmonary dysplasia--a long term respiratory disorder. It occurs in infants who have had severe RDS, lung infection or were extremely premature at birth and affects them for years.

What causes BPD?

BPD is a reaction of the premature lung to its disease and to the oxygen and mechanical ventilation that were needed to treat the infants lung disease. Occasionally very premature infants get BPD even if they did not need mechanical ventilation or much extra oxygen after birth.

Great sources of info:

http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/childrenshosp/parents_of_preemies/bpd.html

http://www.geocities.com/bricethomasconrad2/BPD.html

http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungbpd.html

CraftyLPN · Feb 19, 2003

Thanks NRSKarenRN and BEST BLOND...I hope u see this...that helps Alot!! Thanks for the websites too!! ok another question then... this young one isn't on a vent.. but she has a trach...the reasoning behind this.....????

Heather333 · Feb 19, 2003

She could have required at trach secondary to long-term ventilation. Her condition could have improved and she no longer needs a ventilator but still has a trach.

Heather

Nurse Ratched, RN · Feb 19, 2003

Well now, don't I feel silly :). Another good reason for me to stay far, far from the peds area!

NS_RN · Feb 19, 2003

Originally posted by Nurse Ratched
Well now, don't I feel silly :). Another good reason for me to stay far, far from the peds area!

LOL...me too apparently..I thought it was bipolar disease or borderline personality disease too...LOL

At least we're not alone!

wv_nurse 2003 · Feb 19, 2003

I chuckled when I read the different possible problems that have been attributed to the same abbreviation--so many abbreviations out there......

Heather333 · Feb 19, 2003

When somebody talks about their PDA (palm pilot). My first thought is Patent Ductus Arteriosus. So I guess it goes both ways.

Heather

prmenrs, RN · Feb 19, 2003

Sometimes kids w/BPD also have tracheal malacia. This can be treated w/Laser when they're a bit older, and often that cures the problem. Watch fluids, fatigue, hopefully there's a sat monitor. She'll be on lots of meds as a rule, may have a g-button. MAXIMIZE nutrition, the only hope of outgrowing BPD. If you haven't had a flu shot, get it, flu would kill her. Make sure everyone around her stays healthy and doesn't smoke. [i know, seems obvious, but...] If she can't take the entire days feeding, use the g-tube to give it to her slowly over night. Very easy to get overloaded. Also, their electrolytes are often out of whack, the really dangerous one is having a low chloride. If she's at home, hopefully, they've got all that stuff in order, but those are the things I worry about. Try to normalize her environment--gently. play soft music--lullabies--@ nap- and bedtime, read to her, identify her special toys. Stuffed toys that can be washed are good. Expect her to be soemwhat developmentally delayed.

Mom is the expert--try to treat her as a valued colleague. Mom has been thru hell w/ the NICU, and a baby w/such a protracted illness, kinda PTSD victim, and they're not out of the woods yet.

Good Luck!!

CraftyLPN · Feb 19, 2003

Thanks prmerns..that helps too... I love being in home health... and I love finding this site... you guys have been a great resource!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)