In individuals with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, what is a major contributing factor?

In bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a significant contributing factor is the deficiency in lung surfactant levels. Surfactant is a substance produced by the alveolar cells in the lungs, which plays a crucial role in reducing surface tension in the alveoli, helping to keep them open and facilitating gas exchange.

In premature infants, the lungs may not be fully developed, and the production of surfactant may be insufficient. This deficiency can lead to complications such as atelectasis (lung collapse) and respiratory distress, which are hallmarks of BPD. The lack of adequate surfactant leads to increased work of breathing, a vulnerability to injury from mechanical ventilation, and inflammation, all of which compound the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

While other factors such as infections in utero and environmental influences may impact the overall respiratory health of a newborn, the direct link between surfactant deficiency and the pathophysiology of BPD underscores why this is considered a major contributing factor.