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Flow limitation in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory function at school age

Marco Filippone1, Maddalena Sartor, Franco Zacchello

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padova, Italy.

Lancet (London, England)
|March 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may have lasting lung function issues. Early respiratory assessments in infancy can identify children with BPD at risk for incomplete recovery during childhood.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease affecting infants.
  • While many infants recover, some experience long-term respiratory problems.
  • Identifying infants at risk for persistent issues is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term pulmonary function in children with moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  • To determine if early pulmonary function assessments can predict later respiratory outcomes in these children.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study was conducted on 18 children diagnosed with moderate to severe BPD.
  • Pulmonary function tests, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75), were assessed at school age.
  • Maximal flow at functional residual capacity (Vmax(FRC)) was measured at 24 months of age.

Main Results:

  • 15 out of 18 children (83%) exhibited lower than normal FEV1 and FEF25-75 at school age.
  • Both FEV1 and FEF25-75 showed a significant positive correlation with Vmax(FRC) at 24 months (r=0.68 and 0.85, respectively).
  • These findings indicate a link between early lung function and later outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Assessment of respiratory function during infancy is valuable for identifying children with BPD.
  • Early pulmonary assessments can help predict the risk of incomplete respiratory function recovery in childhood.
  • This information can guide targeted follow-up and management strategies for at-risk children.

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