Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is uncommon in infants born after which gestational age?

• A. 28 weeks gestation
• B. 32 weeks gestation
• C. 34 weeks gestation
• D. 36 weeks gestation

Answer: (B)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is tied to prematurity and the level of respiratory support an infant needs. Immature lungs at very early gestational ages are more susceptible to injury from oxygen exposure and mechanical ventilation, leading to chronic lung changes. As gestational age increases, lung maturation progresses, surfactant production improves, and the need for prolonged oxygen or ventilation decreases. Because of this, the likelihood of developing BPD drops markedly as the birth gestational age rises, making it uncommon in infants born after about 32 weeks gestation. It can still occur with other risk factors, but it is much less likely once birth occurs beyond 32 weeks.