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Pneumonia in childhood and impaired lung function in adults: a longitudinal study

Johnny Y C Chan1, Debra A Stern2, Stefano Guerra2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hospital Authority, Kowloon, Hong Kong; and Arizona Respiratory Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

Pediatrics
|March 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood pneumonia is linked to lasting asthma and reduced lung function into adulthood. These respiratory issues, including impaired FEV1:FVC ratio, may indicate a risk for adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early lower respiratory illnesses (LRIs) in children are linked to asthma and reduced lung function.
  • The long-term impact of early LRIs, particularly pneumonia, on adult respiratory health remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of early-life LRIs on lung function and asthma prevalence into adulthood.
  • To determine if early pneumonia is a risk factor for adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study (Tucson Children's Respiratory Study) tracking LRIs in the first 3 years of life.
  • Spirometry performed at ages 11, 16, 22, and 26 years.
  • Longitudinal analyses using random effects models and generalized estimating equations to assess LRI impact on lung function and asthma/wheeze from childhood to adulthood.

Main Results:

  • Children with early pneumonia experienced the most significant lung function impairment (e.g., -3.9% pre- and -2.5% post-bronchodilator FEV1:FVC deficits from age 11-26).
  • Early pneumonia increased the risk of adult asthma (OR: 1.95) and wheeze (OR: 1.94).
  • Non-pneumonia LRIs were associated with mild FEV1 impairment and increased wheeze risk (OR: 1.37).

Conclusions:

  • Early pneumonia is a significant risk factor for persistent asthma and impaired airway function into adulthood.
  • The observed airway dysfunction is partially reversible with bronchodilators but persists into adulthood.
  • Early pneumonia may be a critical predictor for the development of adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Abstract

Keywords:
asthmaearly childhood pneumonialung function

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