[Risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: the importance of diuresis].

13 preterm infants (gestational age 34 weeks or below; birth weight under 1500 g.) with severe respiratory distress, were admitted for intensive care in our Unit between 1980 and 1981. Factors affecting the onset of BPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) in these subjects are evaluated by retrospective studies. Diuresis in the third day of life, expressed as a percentage of administered fluids appeared particularly significant. It resulted significantly lower in subjects developing BPD than in non-affected controls. Therefore, along with a PDA and a high fluid input favouring interstitial oedem, the inability of preterm infants to remove fluid overload must be considered. A reduced clearance of interstitial fluid in the lung enhances circulatory status and ventilatory damage and increases the risk of BPD.