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Adult respiratory outcomes of extreme preterm birth. A regional cohort study

Maria Vollsæter1, Hege H Clemm, Emma Satrell

  • 11 Department of Clinical Science, Section for Pediatrics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Annals of the American Thoracic Society
|January 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Young adults born extremely prematurely show normal lung function but increased airway responsiveness. Ongoing pulmonary monitoring is recommended for this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Long-term respiratory outcomes after extremely preterm birth (gestational age ≤28 weeks or birth weight ≤1,000 g) remain largely unknown.
  • Understanding adult lung function in this cohort is crucial for guiding clinical care and future research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare respiratory health, lung function, and airway responsiveness changes between 18 and 25 years of age in young adults born extremely prematurely and term-born controls.
  • To identify potential long-term pulmonary sequelae in individuals born extremely preterm.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study in western Norway (1982-1985) assessed 25-year-old extremely preterm-born individuals and matched term-born controls.
  • Comprehensive lung function tests and interviews were conducted, comparing data to assessments at 18 years of age.

Main Results:

  • At 25 years, extremely preterm-born individuals had significantly reduced FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and increased airway resistance compared to controls.
  • Increased methacholine responsiveness and bronchial lability were observed in the extremely preterm group.
  • Changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms from 18 to 25 years were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of extremely preterm-born young adults exhibit lung function within the normal range.
  • However, heightened airway responsiveness to methacholine suggests a persistent vulnerability.
  • Continued pulmonary monitoring is advised for individuals born extremely prematurely to manage potential respiratory issues.
Abstract

Keywords:
bronchopulmonary dysplasiachronic obstructive pulmonary diseasepremature birth

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