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Lung function in prematurely born infants after viral lower respiratory tract infections

Simon Broughton1, Karl P Sylvester, Grenville Fox

  • 1Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC-Asthma Centre, King's College London, London, UK.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in premature infants are linked to lasting lung function abnormalities, including increased airway resistance and wheezing, one year after birth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Neonatal respiratory health
  • Viral lower respiratory tract infections

Background:

  • Premature infants face chronic respiratory issues post-viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are common culprits.
  • The long-term impact of these infections on infant lung function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of viral LRTIs on lung function in prematurely born infants.
  • To determine if RSV or hMPV infections correlate with abnormal lung function at 1-year follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of 59 infants born before 32 weeks gestational age.
  • Viral LRTIs identified via nasopharyngeal aspirates using immunofluorescence, culture, and real-time RT-PCR.
  • Lung function measured at corrected age 1 year using plethysmography (FRC, Raw) and helium gas dilution (FRC).

Main Results:

  • Infants with proven RSV LRTI showed significantly higher airway resistance (Raw) compared to controls.
  • RSV-positive infants experienced more days of wheezing and required more bronchodilator therapy.
  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) LRTI was also associated with elevated airway resistance at follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • RSV and hMPV LRTIs in premature infants are associated with abnormal lung function.
  • Elevated airway resistance is a key indicator of impaired lung function post-infection.
  • Findings highlight the importance of managing and preventing viral LRTIs in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

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