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Long-Term Effects of Prematurity on Resting Ventilatory Response to Hypercapnia

Giorgio Manferdelli1, Benjamin J Narang2,3, Mathias Poussel1,4

  • 1Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.

High Altitude Medicine & Biology
|December 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Adults born prematurely exhibit altered resting breathing patterns and an increased ventilatory response to carbon dioxide (CO2). This suggests potential long-term effects of prematurity on respiratory control, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Neonatal Studies

Background:

  • Prematurity can impact long-term physiological development.
  • Respiratory control mechanisms may be affected by early-life conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of prematurity on the resting ventilatory response to hypercapnia in adults.
  • To compare respiratory parameters between adults born prematurely and those born at full term.

Main Methods:

  • Seventeen preterm and fourteen full-term adults underwent normoxic hypercapnia challenges (3% and 6% CO2).
  • Continuous measurements of pulmonary ventilation and end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (PetCO2) were performed.
  • Lung function tests were conducted on all participants.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in lung function were found between groups.
  • Preterm adults showed lower PetCO2 at rest (normoxia) compared to full-term adults.
  • During 6% CO2 exposure, preterm adults exhibited significantly higher ventilation and breath frequency, indicating increased chemosensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Prematurity may lead to resting hypocapnia in adulthood, though mechanisms require further study.
  • Adults born prematurely appear to possess an enhanced chemosensitivity to hypercapnia.
  • These findings highlight potential persistent alterations in respiratory control following prematurity.

Keywords:
CO2chemosensitivityhypoxemiapreterm birthrespiration

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