Related Experiment Videos
First-year infections after initial hospitalization in low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Oulu, Finland.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) infants, particularly those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), face increased risks of severe lower respiratory tract infections. Immunoprophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and home care are recommended to reduce illness in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) infants are susceptible to infections.
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease common in premature infants.
- Understanding infection risks in LBW infants is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate infection symptoms, specific infections, and hospitalizations in LBW infants and a subgroup with BPD.
- To compare infection rates and immunoglobulin levels between LBW infants, BPD subgroup, and full-term controls.
- To identify risk factors for illness and inform potential preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation using monthly questionnaires for 73 LBW infants and 19 with BPD, compared to 63 full-term controls.
- Measurement of immunoglobulin G, A, M, and E levels in LBW infants at corrected ages from 1 to 12 months.
- Analysis of infection symptoms, specific infections, antibiotic use, and hospitalization data.
Main Results:
- LBW infants and those with BPD experienced more frequent and severe dyspnea and lower respiratory tract infections, often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Male sex, large family size, and day-care attendance were significant risk factors for illness.
- Immunoglobulin G levels were subnormal at 1 month corrected age in LBW infants; other immunoglobulin levels were normal.
Conclusions:
- LBW infants, especially those with BPD, are prone to lower respiratory tract infections.
- Consideration for immunoprophylaxis against RSV is recommended for these infants.
- Home care is preferable to day-care to reduce morbidity in LBW infants.
Abstract:
Symptoms of infection, specific infections, antibiotic course and hospitalizations were evaluated prospectively by using monthly questionnaires after initial hospitalization in 73 low birth weight (LBW) infants (less than 1751 g) and a subgroup of 19 infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) compared with 63 full-term controls matched for age, sex and home locality. The immunoglobulin G, A, M and E levels of the LBW infants were measured at corrected ages of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months. The LBW infants, the subgroup with BPD and their controls had similar frequencies of infectious symptoms and episodes of infection. Dyspnoea and lower respiratory tract infections often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RBV) were more frequent and more severe among LBW and especially BPD infants compared with controls. Male sex, a large family and day-care were significant risk factors for illness. The IgG levels of the LBW infants were subnormal at the corrected age of 1 month, but otherwise immunoglobulin levels were normal. The results suggest that LBW infants and especially those with BPD are prone to lower respiratory tract infections and should be considered candidates for immunoprophylaxis against RBV. In order to reduce morbidity home care is preferable to day-care.