小児科と治療学
オープンアクセス

概要

Learning how Mechanical Forces Regulate Lung Development: Opportunities for Translational Research

Juan Sanchez-Esteban*

Lung growth and development during fetal life are critical for extrauterine survival. Pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia, oligohydramnios, etc, is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In fact, pulmonary hypoplasia is the most common finding in neonatal autopsies. In addition, more than 20,000 babies are born every year in the United States before 27 weeks of gestation (canalicular stage of lung development). These disorders have in common an incomplete development of the lungs. Despite the improvement in neonatal care, these conditions can cause serious short-term and long-term morbidities. Currently, the management is primarily supportive and there is not specific treatment to stimulate the growth and development of the lungs.