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Effect of early-term birth on respiratory symptoms and lung function in childhood and adolescence

Sarah J Kotecha1, William John Watkins1, John Lowe1

  • 1Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|April 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Early-term birth (37-38 weeks) is linked to lower lung function in children aged 8-9, but this difference resolves by adolescence. Caesarean section did not impact lung function outcomes in early-term infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Early-term birth (37-38 weeks gestation) affects a significant population segment.
  • These infants face increased risks for neonatal respiratory issues and childhood respiratory symptoms.
  • Limited data exists on the long-term lung function of early-term born individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare lung function at 8-9 and 14-17 years between early-term and full-term born children.
  • To investigate the influence of caesarean section delivery on later lung function.
  • To compare respiratory symptoms and asthma diagnoses between the two gestational groups.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
  • Included Caucasian, singleton, term births (n=14,062).
  • Lung spirometry performed at 8-9 years (n=5,465) and 14-17 years (n=3,666), classifying infants as early-term or full-term.

Main Results:

  • At 8-9 years, early-term infants (n=911) showed lower spirometry measures than full-term controls (n=4,554), though within normal limits.
  • Caesarean section delivery did not affect later spirometry, nor did it modify the impact of early-term birth.
  • By 14-17 years, spirometry measures in early-term individuals (n=602) were similar to full-term controls (n=3,064), as were asthma and respiratory symptom rates.

Conclusions:

  • Early-term born children exhibit reduced lung function at 8-9 years, which normalizes by 14-17 years.
  • Avoidance of early-term delivery is recommended due to associated early and late morbidities.
  • Gestational age at birth significantly influences early lung function development, with catch-up growth observed in adolescence.
Abstract

Keywords:
Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)asthmacohort studylung physiologypulmonary function tests

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