Related Experiment Videos

Respiratory function at age 8-9 years in extremely low birthweight/very preterm children born in Victoria in

Lex W Doyle1,

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. lwd@unimelb.edu.au

Pediatric Pulmonology
|April 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) or very preterm children born in the 1990s show significantly reduced respiratory function, particularly airflow, compared to normal birth weight (NBW) peers. These deficits persist, especially in those with newborn bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and very preterm infants face long-term respiratory health challenges.
  • Previous studies indicated respiratory deficits in these populations, but data from the 1990s, post-surfactant era, were needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare respiratory function at 8 years of age between children born extremely low birth weight (ELBW) or very preterm and normal birth weight (NBW) controls.
  • To identify factors within the ELBW/very preterm group associated with poorer respiratory outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 298 ELBW/very preterm survivors (born 1991-1992, Victoria) and 262 NBW controls were assessed at 8 years of age.
  • Respiratory function, focusing on airflow variables, was measured using spirometry.
  • Data were analyzed comparing the two groups and examining subgroups within the ELBW/very preterm cohort.

Main Results:

  • ELBW/very preterm children exhibited substantially diminished airflow variables compared to NBW controls.
  • A higher proportion of ELBW/very preterm children had clinically significant reductions in airflow (e.g., forced expired volume in 1 second < 75%).
  • Newborn bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and childhood asthma were associated with significantly reduced respiratory function in the ELBW/very preterm group.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory function abnormalities in ELBW/very preterm children persist into the 1990s, mirroring findings from earlier eras.
  • Children with a history of BPD or asthma remain at high risk for impaired airflow.
  • Long-term respiratory surveillance is crucial for extremely preterm and ELBW survivors.

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Capacities01:24

Respiratory Capacities

Respiratory capacities are crucial indicators of lung function, representing the maximum amount of air an individual's respiratory system can handle during various breathing phases.
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
Respiratory Volumes01:15

Respiratory Volumes

Respiratory volumes are crucial metrics, meticulously measured to quantify the air exchanged in and out of the lungs during various phases of the breathing cycle. These precise measurements are vital for assessing lung function, diagnosing respiratory conditions, and monitoring overall respiratory health. Each parameter provides specific insights into the mechanics of breathing and the functional capacity of the lungs.
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate01:20

Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate

Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation: