We have previously shown that specific acute pulmonary radiographic changes are associated with the presence of mycoplasmas in the respiratory tract of neonates. To determine the role of MP colonization, if any, in the evolution of BPD, we retrospectively studied (1/1/93 to 6/30/95) ventilated premature neonates (26- 32 weeks gestation) who survived >4 weeks and had positive cultures for MPs from their tracheal aspirates. MP cultures were sent if lung disease was not improving by 7-10 days of age, or there were suggestive radiographic changes. BPD was defined as oxygen requirement along with clinico-radiographic changes at 4 weeks of age. Infants were diagnosed to have severe BPD if they continued to need oxygen beyond 36 weeks corrected post menstrual age. Infants ≤ 25 weeks were excluded because of their high mortality rate and a 98% BPD rate amongst survivors. Patient demographics and other variables (mean ± sem) are shown in the followingtable. No differences were seen in antenatal steroid use, sex, race, sepsis, RDS, PDA, air leaks, NEC or gastroesophageal reflux. Despite selecting neonates who needed prolonged intubation, we found that the presence of MP in the tracheal aspirates indicates a significantly high likelihood for developing severe BPD. We speculate that early detection and treatment of MP may decrease the severity of BPD in premature infants.

Table 1
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