Lung Function and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Adults Born Prematurely. A Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Neonatology
• Adult Respiratory Health

Background:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and prematurity consequences are often unrecognized by adult clinicians.
• Young adults with a history of prematurity are increasingly presenting with chronic lung disease.
• Pediatric understanding of BPD is well-established, but adult long-term outcomes require further attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess quality of life in adults born prematurely.
• To evaluate pulmonary function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, body composition, and physical activity in adults with a history of prematurity.
• To compare outcomes among preterm infants with and without respiratory complications, and term-born controls.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving young adults born between 1987-1993 in Canada.
• Four groups were studied: preterm without complications, preterm with respiratory distress syndrome, preterm with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and term-born controls.
• Measurements included quality of life, respiratory health, pulmonary function tests, methacholine challenge, and physical activity levels.

Main Results:

• Adults with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed mild airflow obstruction and gas trapping.
• Preterm individuals, particularly those with BPD, exhibited reduced energy expenditure and increased sedentary behavior.
• All preterm groups displayed a higher prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness compared to term-born individuals.

Conclusions:

• Adults born prematurely with neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia are at higher risk for airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
• Long-term respiratory consequences of prematurity, including BPD, persist into adulthood.
• Adult clinicians require enhanced awareness of these long-term respiratory effects to effectively manage young patients.