Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025
Generation of 3D Whole Lung Organoids from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Lung Developmental Biology and Disease
Published on: April 12, 2021
Characterisation of lung function trajectories and associated early-life predictors in an Australian birth cohort
Francesca Sanna1,2, Francesca Locatelli2, Peter D Sly3
1Wal-yan Respiratory Centre, Children's Lung Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
Background:
There is growing evidence that lung function in early-life predicts later lung function. Adverse events over the lifespan might influence an individual's lung function trajectory, resulting in poor respiratory health. The aim of this study is to identify early-life risk factors and their impact on lung function trajectories to prevent long-term lung impairments.
Methods:
Our study included participants from the Raine Study, a prospective pregnancy cohort, with at least two spirometry measurements. Lung function trajectories from the 6- to 22-year follow-ups were characterised using finite mixture modelling. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between early-life predictors and lung function trajectories.
Main Results:
A total of 1512 participants (768 males, 744 females), representing 53% of the whole cohort, were included in this analysis. Four lung function trajectories of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC (z-scores) were identified. FEV1 and FVC trajectories were categorised as: "very low", "low", "average" and "above average", respectively. Based on their shape, lung function trajectories of FEV1/FVC were categorised as "very low", "low-average", "average-low" and "average". Asthma and maternal smoking were identified as risk factors for low lung function trajectories in this cohort, as well as early-life exposure to PM2.5Absorbance.
Conclusions:
Early-life risk factors may influence lung function trajectories over time. Nonetheless, identifying children with a high risk of having low lung function trajectories should be prioritised to prevent deficits in later life.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
01:47Lung Capacity
02:20Longitudinal Research
01:24Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...