Association of Height Growth in Puberty with Lung Function. A Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Human Growth and Development
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Puberty's influence on lung function is recognized, but the specific role of height growth during this period remains unclear.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for assessing long-term respiratory health trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the timing of puberty and peak height velocity with adolescent and early adult lung function.
• To quantify the impact of pubertal growth patterns on key spirometry measures.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal analysis of height data from a British birth cohort (ages 5-20 years) using the SITAR model to determine pubertal age and peak height velocity.
• Multivariable regression models assessed associations between derived growth parameters and spirometry measures (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%) at ages 15 and 24.
• Analyses were adjusted for baseline lung function, height, age, and potential confounders.

Main Results:

• Later pubertal onset and greater peak height velocity were significantly associated with higher FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) and FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) at age 24 in both males and females.
• A 1-year delay in pubertal age correlated with increased FVC (263 ml in males, 100 ml in females); increased peak velocity correlated with greater FVC increases (145 ml in males, 50 ml in females).
• No significant associations were observed between pubertal growth timing/velocity and the FEV1/FVC ratio.

Conclusions:

• Later pubertal development and accelerated height growth are linked to enhanced lung volumes (FVC and FEV1) in young adulthood.
• The findings suggest that pubertal growth patterns positively influence adult lung capacity, without evidence of asynchronous lung growth (dysanapsis).