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Lung function after extremely preterm birth-A population-based cohort study (EXPRESS)

Per Thunqvist1,2, Ellen Tufvesson3, Leif Bjermer3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sachs' Children Youth Hospital Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|November 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Children born extremely preterm exhibit significant lung function deficits and altered airway mechanics, impacting their respiratory health. Continued follow-up and treatment are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Persistent lung function deficits are observed in individuals born very-to-moderately preterm.
  • Extremely preterm birth (22-26 weeks gestation) poses significant risks for long-term respiratory health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess lung function and airway mechanics in school-aged children born extremely preterm.
  • To compare respiratory outcomes between extremely preterm children and a term-born control group.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study included 350 extremely preterm children and term-born controls.
  • Lung function was evaluated at 6.5 years using spirometry and impulse oscillometry.
  • Associations with gestational age, small for gestational age (SGA), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Extremely preterm children showed reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
  • Increased frequency-dependence of resistance and larger area under the reactance curve indicated abnormal airway mechanics.
  • A significant proportion of children born at 22-24 weeks had FVC or FEV1 below normal limits; 40% reported asthma-like symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Many extremely preterm children experience impaired lung function and altered airway mechanics.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and ongoing monitoring for extremely preterm infants.
  • SGA and severe BPD had minimal impact on pulmonary outcomes in this cohort.
Abstract

Keywords:
lung function testspreterm birthrespiratory mechanics

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