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Updated: Sep 23, 2025

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Lifelong Lung Sequelae of Prematurity

Paola Di Filippo1, Giulia Dodi1, Francesca Ciarelli1

  • 1Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|May 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Premature birth can lead to long-term lung issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Early identification and monitoring of high-risk infants are crucial for managing lung health throughout life.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • The clinical presentation of chronic lung disease in premature infants has evolved due to improved perinatal care and increased survival rates of extremely premature neonates.
  • While respiratory symptoms may improve, prematurity is linked to persistent lung function deficits and an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a systematic overview of lifelong respiratory symptoms, lung function impairment, and structural lung anomalies in individuals born prematurely.
  • To elucidate the specific impact of prematurity on long-term lung health and identify at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

  • This narrative review systematically synthesizes existing literature on the long-term respiratory outcomes of preterm birth.
  • It emphasizes the importance of standardized CT imaging scores and comprehensive periodic lung function evaluations.

Main Results:

  • Respiratory symptoms and lung function impairment in preterm infants can persist into childhood and adolescence.
  • Prematurity is a significant risk factor for developing COPD and other chronic lung diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Identifying premature infants at risk for long-term lung disease requires increased physician awareness and standardized assessment tools.
  • A proactive, lifelong approach to monitoring and managing lung health in this population is essential to mitigate the risk of chronic respiratory conditions.

Keywords:
DLCOchronic obstructive diseaselung functionprematurity

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