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Lung function in adults born with very low birth weight from young to mid-adulthood

Laura Jussinniemi1,2, Silje D Benum3, Kristina A D Aakvik3

  • 1Clinical Medicine Research Unit, MRC Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. laura.jussinniemi@oulu.fi.

Pediatric Research
|June 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Adults born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW) experience persistent reduced lung function, especially those with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which worsens with age. Respiratory symptoms in VLBW adults warrant careful medical evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Adult Health

Background:

  • Individuals born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500g) often exhibit diminished lung function compared to term-born peers.
  • Neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with more severe lung function impairments in VLBW individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether lung function impairments in VLBW adults worsen between young and mid-adulthood.
  • To compare the progression of lung function in VLBW adults with and without a history of BPD against term-born controls.

Main Methods:

  • Two birth cohorts (HeSVA and NTNU LBW Life) with harmonized protocols were studied.
  • Spirometry assessed lung function in 115 VLBW (20 with BPD) and 142 control adults at mean age 36 years.
  • Results were compared to spirometry data from young adulthood (mean age 22 years) in 198 VLBW (32 with BPD) and 225 control participants.

Main Results:

  • In mid-adulthood, BPD-VLBW adults showed significantly lower z-scores for forced expiratory volume in 1s (zFEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) compared to controls.
  • Non-BPD-VLBW adults also had reduced zFEV1 and FEV1/FVC, though the differences were less pronounced than in the BPD-VLBW group.
  • The decline in zFVC and zFEV1 from young to mid-adulthood was greater in the BPD-VLBW group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Adults born preterm with VLBW experience reduced airflow in mid-adulthood compared to term-born individuals.
  • Individuals with a history of BPD exhibit more pronounced airflow limitations and potentially faster vital capacity decline.
  • Clinicians should consider birth history, including VLBW and BPD, in adults presenting with respiratory symptoms, as lung function impairments do not improve and may worsen with age.
Abstract

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