Racial Disparities Among Predicted Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Risk Outcomes in Premature Infants Born <30 Weeks Gestation

Background and Objective: There is extensive literature to support eliminating race-based risk stratification. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) calculator, used to predict risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), includes race as a variable. We sought to investigate how utilizing race in determination of risk for BPD may lead to inequitable care. Methods: The study included a retrospective cohort of infants born 50%—non-Hispanic White 42.9% vs. non-Hispanic Black 29.9%, p =0.026). Conclusion: When applied to our study cohort, the calculator resulted in a reduction in the predicted risk of BPD in non-Hispanic Black infants. If utilized to guide treatment, the calculator can potentially lead to disparities in care for non-Hispanic Black infants.