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Lung function among infants born preterm, with or without bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Manuel Sanchez-Solis1, Luis Garcia-Marcos, Vicente Bosch-Gimenez

  • 1Pediatric Respiratory Unit, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Children's Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants is linked to reduced lung function, even in early childhood. This study confirms BPD further impairs lung function in the first two years of life.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal respiratory health
  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Infant lung function assessment

Background:

  • Preterm infants often exhibit diminished lung function.
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in preterm infants.
  • The specific impact of BPD on infant lung function compared to prematurity alone requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if lung function differs between preterm infants with and without BPD.
  • To assess infant lung function using rapid thoracic compression with raised volume technique.
  • To investigate the early-life lung function trajectory in preterm infants with BPD.

Main Methods:

  • Lung function was measured in 43 preterm infants with BPD and 32 without BPD (ages 2-28 months).
  • Techniques included rapid thoracic compression with raised volume and tidal volume.
  • Statistical analyses (multiple regression, GLS) controlled for covariates like gender, gestational age, and smoke exposure.

Main Results:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was significantly associated with lower expiratory flows (FEF50, FEF75, FEF85, FEF25-75).
  • This association was more pronounced in male infants.
  • The findings were consistent in infants born at or after 28 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with an additional decline in lung function during the first two years of life in preterm infants.
  • Early detection and management of lung function deficits in BPD infants are crucial.
  • This study highlights the persistent impact of BPD on respiratory health from infancy.
Abstract

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