About this Research Topic
Studying neonatal Chronic Lung Disease in the preterm infant, also known as Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, has led to pathophysiologic concepts which enable a more profound understanding of the disease and generate treatment strategies allowing for the improvement of structural and functional pulmonary outcome. Here, both clinical studies as well as animal models have cross-fertilized each other, translating the definition of clinical needs and the identification of important variables from bench to bedside and back. Elaborate animal models have been designed and refined following different aims reaching from the understanding of relevant pathways as well as the investigation of clinically meaningful treatment strategies. By the use of large study cohorts, significant relationships between risk factors and their confounders could be identified, impacting both research aims and clinical routine.
First, following current topics in the field the research topic will enrich the knowledge and discussion concerning different pathophysiologic concepts by addressing the most important topics either by review articles or the publication of new and relevant original data. The invitation of outstanding researchers will provide a body of excellent data with respect to the endothelial, epithelial and mesenchymal cell compartment, the role of stem cells and the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, articles on long-term effects as well as the understanding of injury through hyperoxia and ventilation/stretch as well as infection and inflammation will cover the current concepts of injury imposed on the developing lung with relevance to the disease. With this overview, the current research topics in the field of BPD will be comprehensively covered.
Second, in an area of expert`s opinion added to every chapter, we will follow our strong belief that our understanding of BPD pathophysiology can in the same time profit from input of other areas in lung research as well as enrich current concepts from research fields addressing further developmental as well as adult lung diseases. In order to better understand important aspects of BPD research as well as to question current concepts from a new perspective, the opening of different fields of lung research towards each other will be the second key focus of each article.
In short, every chapter will i) focus on pathophysiologic models of the past, present and future that evolved to better understand BPD by the use of original data or as a review (Expert Review/Article) and ii) enlighten relevant parallels to other lung diseases by pointing out contributions where the field of BPD can contribute to the understanding of other pediatric and adult lung diseases or would benefit from the integration of concepts known in related fields of research (Expert Opinion).
First, following current topics in the field the research topic will enrich the knowledge and discussion concerning different pathophysiologic concepts by addressing the most important topics either by review articles or the publication of new and relevant original data. The invitation of outstanding researchers will provide a body of excellent data with respect to the endothelial, epithelial and mesenchymal cell compartment, the role of stem cells and the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, articles on long-term effects as well as the understanding of injury through hyperoxia and ventilation/stretch as well as infection and inflammation will cover the current concepts of injury imposed on the developing lung with relevance to the disease. With this overview, the current research topics in the field of BPD will be comprehensively covered.
Second, in an area of expert`s opinion added to every chapter, we will follow our strong belief that our understanding of BPD pathophysiology can in the same time profit from input of other areas in lung research as well as enrich current concepts from research fields addressing further developmental as well as adult lung diseases. In order to better understand important aspects of BPD research as well as to question current concepts from a new perspective, the opening of different fields of lung research towards each other will be the second key focus of each article.
In short, every chapter will i) focus on pathophysiologic models of the past, present and future that evolved to better understand BPD by the use of original data or as a review (Expert Review/Article) and ii) enlighten relevant parallels to other lung diseases by pointing out contributions where the field of BPD can contribute to the understanding of other pediatric and adult lung diseases or would benefit from the integration of concepts known in related fields of research (Expert Opinion).
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