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Pulmonary outcome in adolescents of extreme preterm birth: a regional cohort study

T Halvorsen1, B T Skadberg, G E Eide

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, and Institute for Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway. thomas.halvorsen@helse-bergen.no

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Adults born extremely prematurely show reduced lung function and increased asthma prevalence. This highlights a potential for early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Neonatalogy
  • Respiratory Health

Background:

  • The long-term pulmonary outcomes for individuals born extremely prematurely are not well-established into adulthood.
  • Assessing respiratory health in young adults who experienced extreme prematurity is crucial for understanding lifelong health trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the respiratory health and lung function status in a population-based cohort of young adults born extremely prematurely.
  • To compare the lung function and respiratory symptoms of extremely preterm individuals with their term-born peers.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 46 extremely preterm individuals (gestational age ≤28 wk or birthweight ≤1000 g) was compared to matched term-born controls.
  • Pulmonary function tests including spirometry, plethysmography, and bronchial provocation tests were performed.
  • Neonatal data and current respiratory symptoms were collected via medical records and validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • Extremely preterm individuals exhibited significantly higher rates of asthma diagnosis and inhaler use.
  • Reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were observed, correlating with neonatal lung disease severity.
  • Increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness (56% vs 26%) and lower FEV1 in those with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Extremely preterm individuals demonstrate significantly decreased lung function (FEV1) and increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
  • Established risk factors for accelerated age-related lung function decline are present in this cohort.
  • A subset of extremely preterm individuals may be at risk for early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Abstract

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