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Diminished lung function as a predisposing factor for wheezing respiratory illness in infants.
F D Martinez1, W J Morgan, A L Wright
1Department of Pediatrics, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|October 27, 1988
Summary
Infants with lower initial lung function have a significantly higher risk of developing wheezing illnesses in their first year. Early detection of reduced total respiratory conductance and lung volume can predict future respiratory issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Lower respiratory tract illnesses are common in infants.
- Predictive factors for infant respiratory illnesses require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between initial lung function in newborns and the incidence of lower respiratory tract illness during the first year of life.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 124 infants from birth.
- Measurement of initial lung function parameters including total respiratory conductance and lung volume.
- Assessment of subsequent incidence of wheezing illness.
Main Results:
- Infants in the lowest third for total respiratory conductance had 3.7 times higher risk of wheezing illness.
- Boys with lowest airway conductance showed a 10-fold increased risk.
- Girls with lowest lung volume at end-tidal expiration had a 16-fold increased risk of wheezing illness.
Conclusions:
- Diminished lung function in infancy is a predisposing factor for developing a first wheezing illness.
- Early lung function assessment can identify infants at higher risk for respiratory problems.