Abstract
Background/Objectives: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major complication of prematurity, particularly among infants requiring prolonged respiratory support. Despite its clinical relevance, data on BPD epidemiology and risk factors in Kazakhstan are limited. This study aimed to assess the incidence of BPD and identify significant antenatal, intranatal, and neonatal risk factors associated with its development among preterm infants in Almaty. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using medical records of preterm infants born at the City Perinatal Center in Almaty between 2013 and 2017. Clinical, obstetric, and neonatal data were collected for 111 infants diagnosed with BPD and 109 matched controls without BPD. Statistical analyses included χ2 tests, Student’s t-tests, and multiple logistic regression to determine independent predictors of BPD. Results: Among 39,255 live births over a five-year period, 6271 were preterm, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was diagnosed in 111 preterm infants (1.8%). Mortality among BPD infants was 31.9%, with a declining trend over time. Significant maternal factors associated with BPD included edema during pregnancy, polyhydramnios, acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) during the second trimester, low placentation, vaginal bleeding, chronic bronchitis, and a history of preterm birth. Logistic regression identified edema (p = 0.009) and antenatal steroid prophylaxis (p < 0.001). Neonatal risk factors significantly associated with BPD included neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.002), reintubation (p = 0.046), high FiO2 requirements, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and HFOV use. Regression analysis confirmed neonatal RDS (p = 0.006) and higher FiO2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: BPD in Almaty is driven by a combination of maternal complications and severe neonatal respiratory pathology. Early identification and targeted perinatal management of these parameters may help reduce BPD incidence and improve outcomes for preterm infants.