Docosahexaenoic Acid and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants

In this randomized, controlled trial, supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid in preterm infants born before 29 weeks of gestation did not result in a lower risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia than a control emulsion and may have resulted in a greater risk. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a serious complication of preterm birth. It is characterized by an inflammatory process causing abnormal lung development, decreased vascular and alveolar development, 1 and the need for supplemental oxygen or assisted ventilation at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (gestational age [weeks between the first day of the last menstrual period and birth] plus chronological age [weeks elapsed after birth]). 2 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is associated with long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopmental impairment and increased needs for health and education services. 3 , 4 Some evidence has suggested that the n−3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may help protect against the development . . .