Neonatal Respiratory Disorders: Emerging Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Therapeutic Strategies

Neonatal respiratory disorders, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and persistent pulmonary hypertension, are major causes of illness and death in newborns. Despite advances in neonatal care, the underlying biological mechanisms and long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. Factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mechanical ventilation, and premature lung development contribute to disease progression. Recent discoveries in molecular biology, imaging, and regenerative medicine are uncovering new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions. Understanding these emerging mechanisms is essential for developing targeted therapies that can improve survival and respiratory health in vulnerable neonatal populations.

The primary goal of this special edition is to consolidate cutting-edge research and clinical insights into neonatal respiratory disorders, bridging fundamental science, translational studies, and clinical practice. We aim to provide a platform for exploring emerging mechanisms underlying neonatal lung injury and repair, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted alveolarization. Additionally, this issue seeks to highlight advancements in early and accurate diagnostics, from biomarker identification to imaging innovations, which can guide timely interventions. A key focus will also be on therapeutic strategies, encompassing pharmacological agents, stem cell and regenerative therapies, precision ventilation, and personalized care approaches. By integrating animal model studies, clinical trials, and real-world case series, this special edition intends to foster a comprehensive understanding of current challenges, innovative solutions, and future directions, ultimately informing evidence-based strategies for improving neonatal respiratory outcomes.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses the molecular, translational, and clinical landscape of neonatal respiratory disorders. It is limited to studies that advance mechanistic understanding, diagnostics, or treatment relevant to neonatal and perinatal lung disease, excluding non-neonatal respiratory conditions or unrelated pediatric pathologies. To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in neonatal lung injury
o Genetic and environmental contributors to neonatal respiratory disorders
o Innovations in diagnostic biomarkers and imaging modalities
o Advances in pharmacological, ventilatory, and regenerative therapies
o Integration of animal model research and clinical studies to inform evidence-based care

We invite original research articles, systematic reviews, brief research reports, and clinical case studies that align with the outlined aims and themes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neonatal Respiratory Disorders (NRD), Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), Cystic Fibrosis (CF), neonatal intensive care, Neonatal lung injury and development, Hyperoxia animal models

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.