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Lung function at one month of age as a risk factor for infant respiratory symptoms in a high risk population

C S Murray1, S D Pipis, E C McArdle

  • 1North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK.

Thorax
|April 30, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Abnormal early lung function in high-risk infants predicts later wheezing and coughing. Maternal smoking is also a significant independent risk factor for infant respiratory symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Neonatal Research

Background:

  • Abnormal premorbid lung function is a known risk factor for childhood wheezing.
  • Infants with two atopic parents represent a high-risk group for developing respiratory symptoms.
  • Investigating early lung function in this cohort can identify predictive markers for infant respiratory issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if early lung function in high-risk infants (both parents atopic) predicts respiratory symptoms in infancy.
  • To assess the influence of maternal asthma, smoking, and allergen exposure during pregnancy on this association.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited infants from the NAC Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study cohort at birth.
  • Measured maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V'maxFRC) using partial forced expiratory flow volume technique under sedation.
  • Followed infants prospectively, collecting respiratory symptom data via parental questionnaires at one year of age.

Main Results:

  • Lower size-adjusted V'maxFRC was significantly associated with recurrent wheeze and cough in the first year of life (p=0.01).
  • A reduced V'maxFRC remained a strong predictor of wheezing even after adjusting for confounding factors (OR 0.37, p=0.007).
  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy was identified as an independent and significant risk factor for infant respiratory symptoms (OR 29.85, p=0.008).

Conclusions:

  • Diminished lung function in early infancy is a significant predictor of subsequent wheezing and coughing in high-risk infants.
  • This association is independent of maternal asthma, smoking, and mite allergen exposure during pregnancy.
  • Early lung function assessment may aid in identifying infants at higher risk for developing respiratory problems.
Abstract

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