Respiratory symptoms and lung function in relation to atopy in children born preterm

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Published on: August 7, 2017

Mirjami Siltanen1, Erkki Savilahti, Maija Pohjavuori

  • 1Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. mirjami.siltanen@hus.fi

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children born preterm experience more respiratory issues like wheezing compared to full-term infants. Atopy is linked to persistent wheezing in preterm children, impacting lung function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Respiratory morbidity is a significant health concern in childhood.
  • Preterm birth is associated with increased respiratory problems in children.
  • The role of atopy in respiratory issues among preterm children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare respiratory problems in preterm versus full-term children.
  • To investigate the association between atopy and respiratory symptoms in these groups.
  • To evaluate lung function in relation to prematurity and atopy.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study of two cohorts: 72 preterm (<1501g) and 65 full-term (>2500g) 10-year-olds.
  • Data collection via questionnaires on respiratory/atopic symptoms and risk factors.
  • Assessment of atopy through skin-prick tests and IgE levels; lung function via spirometry.

Main Results:

  • Preterm children showed significantly higher wheezing prevalence (43% vs. 17%).
  • Atopy was associated with wheezing in full-term children, but less so in preterm.
  • Preterm children had lower spirometry values (FVC, FEV1, FEF50, FEF25-75); wheezing and low gestational age correlated with reduced lung function.

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences exist in the association of atopy with respiratory problems between preterm and full-term children.
  • Atopy was not linked to lifetime respiratory symptoms in preterm children but correlated with persistent wheezing.
  • Preterm birth impacts lung function, with wheezing and prematurity being key factors.

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