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Small for gestational age is associated with reduced lung function in middle age: A prospective study from first to

Melvin Tandra1, E Haydn Walters1,2, Jennifer Perret1

  • 1Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|October 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Infants born small for gestational age had reduced lung function in middle age. Adult height significantly mediated these associations, suggesting smaller lungs contribute to impaired lung capacity.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The relationship between birth weight relative to gestational age and adult lung function remains unclear.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for identifying early life determinants of respiratory health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between birth weight (particularly small for gestational age) and lung function in middle age.
  • To examine the role of adult height as a mediator in these associations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (n=849) with birth weight and lung function data at age 45.
  • Employed linear regression to assess associations between birth weight metrics and lung function (FEV1, FVC, DLCO, etc.).
  • Investigated adult height as a potential mediator using statistical models.

Main Results:

  • Infants born small for gestational age exhibited significantly reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV), and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at age 45.
  • Each 1 kg increase in birth weight correlated with improved lung function indices.
  • Adult height mediated 56%-90% of the observed associations between birth weight and lung function.

Conclusions:

  • Being small for gestational age is linked to diminished lung function in adulthood.
  • The findings suggest that smaller lung size, influenced by early growth, is a primary factor in reduced lung capacity, rather than specific parenchymal damage.
Abstract

Keywords:
Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Studyadult lung function deficitlow birth weightrestrictionsmall for gestational agespirometry

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