Pulmonary hypoplasia: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and antenatal prediction

To review published data pertaining to the pathogenesis, antenatal prediction, and neonatal diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia. A computerized search of articles published through February 1995 was performed on the MEDLINE data base. Additional sources were identified through crossreferencing. All available references were reviewed initially by the authors, and their impact on the clinical significance of this condition was summarized. Pulmonary hypoplasia can be understood best by first defining the embryology of lung development. Although pulmonary hypoplasia can occur as a primary event, most cases are secondary to congenital anomalies or pregnancy complications. Several methods have been proposed to predict the subsequent occurrence of pulmonary hypoplasia, but no single criterion has adequately confirmed sensitivity and specificity for clinical decision making. For patients with premature rupture of membranes, the gestational age at time of rupture carries the highest risk correlation with subsequent pulmonary hypoplasia.