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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
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Published on: November 20, 2015

Long-term respiratory consequences of premature birth at less than 32 weeks of gestation

Anne Greenough1

  • 1Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, The MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma King's College, London, UK.

Early Human Development
|August 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Very premature infants, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), often face chronic respiratory issues and increased healthcare needs. Lung function may improve with age, but persistent airflow limitation and potential deterioration require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic respiratory morbidity is a significant adverse outcome for very premature infants.
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication, leading to prolonged oxygen dependence and increased healthcare utilization.
  • Chest imaging, including CT scans, provides predictive information for respiratory problems in these children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the chronic respiratory outcomes in very premature infants, with a focus on those who developed BPD.
  • To highlight the impact of respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory infections (RSV LRTIs) on BPD patients.
  • To discuss the trajectory of pulmonary function and the need for longitudinal studies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on chronic respiratory morbidity in premature infants.
  • Analysis of data regarding healthcare utilization, hospital readmissions, and respiratory symptoms.
  • Evaluation of chest imaging findings and pulmonary function tests.

Main Results:

  • Infants with BPD often require long-term home oxygen and have increased healthcare needs until school age.
  • Hospital readmissions are frequent, especially for BPD infants experiencing RSV LRTIs.
  • Recurrent respiratory symptoms, airway obstruction, and gas trapping are common, with airflow limitation persisting despite age-related improvements.

Conclusions:

  • Children with BPD face significant, long-term respiratory challenges, including persistent airflow limitation.
  • RSV LRTIs can exacerbate lung function abnormalities in infants with BPD.
  • Longitudinal research is essential to understand lung function development and potential catch-up growth in this population.

Keywords:
Bronchopulmonary dypslasiaLung functionPrematurity

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