To investigate factors associated with BPD, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis to identify factors associated with BPD in 290 ELBW infants admitted to our hospital between 1/1/92 and 12/31/96. 33 infants who died before one month of age, and 26 late admission (>one month) were excluded from analysis. The remaining infants' birth weight (BW) and gestational ages(GA) were 779±137 gm and 26.1±1.6 wks. BPD was defined as oxygen dependence at postconceptional age of 36 wks. 91% of the infants received surfactant. 49% of infants in PROM group and 30.5% in non-PROM group developed BPD. The data were analyzed by backward stepwise logistic regression entering the following variables: GA, BW, gender, outborn, 5' apgar score, PROM, and antenatal steroid use. PDA, air leaks, compliance and resistance during the first four days and culture proven sepsis during the first month were also included. Conclusion: PROM is an independent predictor of BPD after controlling for antenatal steroid use, gender, BW, respiratory illness severity and sepsis. Table

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