Which of the following is a common finding in an infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?

• A. Inadequate Somatic Growth
• B. Chronic Metabolic Acidosis
• C. Weight Gain Due to Excessive Fluid Retention
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (A)

Inadequate somatic growth is common in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia because the condition increases energy expenditure and makes feeding more challenging. The work of breathing is elevated, and persistent tachypnea and respiratory effort raise caloric needs. At the same time, many infants with BPD have feeding difficulties, fatigue during feeds, and sometimes reflux, all of which limit intake. Even with adequate or intensified nutrition, these factors often lead to growth faltering, so poor weight gain is a hallmark finding. Clinically, this growth issue correlates with the severity of lung disease and the child’s ongoing oxygen needs, underscoring the importance of targeted nutritional strategies—such as high-calorie formulas, fortified feeds, and sometimes assisted feeding—to support catch-up growth. Metabolic acidosis is not a defining feature of BPD, and while steroids or parenteral nutrition can contribute to hyperglycemia or fluid-related weight gain in some cases, those are not characteristic findings of BPD itself.