Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Asthma in children in relation to pre-term birth and fetal growth restriction

Gibby Koshy1, Kafya A S Akrouf, Yvonne Kelly

  • 1Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

Maternal and Child Health Journal
|August 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Maternal asthma increases the risk of pre-term birth (PTB), which predisposes to childhood asthma. However, babies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are less likely to develop asthma, regardless of maternal asthma status.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Obstetrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Parental asthma is a growing concern in public health.
  • Pre-term birth (PTB) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are known risk factors for adverse child health outcomes.
  • The relationship between parental asthma, birth complications, and subsequent childhood asthma requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the impact of maternal asthma on the risk of pre-term birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA) or growth-restricted infants.
  • To investigate the association between PTB and SGA/growth restriction with the development of childhood asthma.
  • To explore whether maternal asthma influences the risk of childhood asthma in offspring born with or without growth restrictions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized three sequential cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1993, 1998, and 2006.
  • Included 5-11 year old children in Merseyside, with parental completion of respiratory health questionnaires.
  • Analyzed data from 3,746 (1993), 1,964 (1998), and 1,074 (2006) participants.

Main Results:

  • Mothers with asthma had a higher likelihood of PTB (OR 1.39).
  • Maternal asthma was also associated with an increased likelihood of SGA babies in the 2006 survey.
  • Offspring of mothers with asthma born preterm were more likely to develop doctor-diagnosed asthma (adjusted OR 1.65).
  • Conversely, SGA babies were less likely to develop doctor-diagnosed asthma (adjusted OR 0.49).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal asthma is an independent risk factor for pre-term birth, which in turn increases the risk of childhood asthma.
  • Intrauterine growth restriction appears to have a protective effect against the development of childhood asthma.
  • These findings highlight the complex interplay between maternal health, birth outcomes, and pediatric respiratory conditions.

More Related Videos

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis06:19

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis

Published on: January 7, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma