Pulmonary function and bronchopulmonary dysplasia classification: insights from the Spanish Registry

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Neonatology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in premature infants.
• Long-term pulmonary outcomes in school-aged children with BPD require further investigation.
• The predictive value of early BPD severity classifications for later lung function is not fully established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate forced spirometry data in school-aged children with BPD.
• To assess the correlation between early respiratory support needs and later pulmonary function.
• To evaluate the association between BPD severity classification and spirometry abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Observational study using data from a Spanish national BPD registry (2016-2017).
• Analysis of forced spirometry results in children aged 5-7 years.
• Statistical analysis correlating spirometry findings with perinatal factors and respiratory support at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA).

Main Results:

• 39.2% of BPD patients exhibited abnormal spirometry results.
• Needing >30% oxygen at 36 weeks PMA significantly increased the risk of abnormal spirometry (OR 4.48).
• Severe BPD (Type 3) requiring >30% oxygen at 36 weeks PMA was linked to a higher risk of restrictive-mixed patterns compared to BPD Types 1 and 2.

Conclusions:

• Requirement of >30% oxygen at 36 weeks PMA is a risk indicator for pulmonary function impairment in school-aged children with BPD.
• Findings suggest persistent airway and parenchymal lung injury in BPD.
• Close monitoring is crucial for evaluating long-term lung function effects in BPD patients.