Wheezing in preterm infants and children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Neonatology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Wheezing is a frequent respiratory symptom in infants and children.
• Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for developing wheezing phenotypes.
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that often complicates the course of preterm infants, increasing the risk of wheezing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of wheezing in preterm children.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to wheezing in this population.
• To discuss the epidemiology and current treatment strategies for wheezing in preterm children, considering those with and without a history of BPD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of relevant studies on wheezing in preterm infants and children.
• Synthesis of information regarding the pathophysiology of wheezing.
• Analysis of epidemiological data and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Wheezing in preterm children results from complex interactions between airway inflammation, structural abnormalities, and altered immune responses.
• Epidemiological data indicate a higher prevalence of persistent wheezing in preterm survivors, particularly those with BPD.
• Treatment approaches are often tailored to the underlying mechanisms and may include bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory agents, and supportive care.

Conclusions:

• Wheezing represents a significant burden of disease in preterm-born children.
• Understanding the mechanisms and epidemiology is crucial for effective management.
• Multifaceted treatment strategies are necessary to improve respiratory outcomes in preterm children experiencing wheezing, especially those with BPD.