[Cross-sectional study of respiratory function at adolescence in children born prematurely]

Preterm-born children, especially those born before 32 weeks of gestational age, are at increased risk for persistent respiratory complications at adolescence. This retrospective single-center study aimed to assess long-term pulmonary function in children born at < 33 weeks gestational age (GA) between 2011 and 2014 at CHC Saint-Vincent (Liège, Belgium). Evaluations, conducted between January and May 2025, included a detailed medical history, clinical examination, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement, and skin prick testing when indicated. Forty children aged 11 to 14 years were included. The mean age at birth was 28.7 ± 2.6 weeks GA. At adolescence, 55 % of the children reported exertional respiratory symptoms and 22.5 % had recurrent bronchitis. Mean Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) in z-score was -0.77 ± 0.99, with no significant difference between those born before or after 28 weeks. Bronchodilator response (FEV1 in z-score) improved to -0.14 ± 0.96, which suggested a reversible obstructive component consistent with asthma. Only 10 % were receiving specialized respiratory follow-up before the study, while 37.5% required initiation or reintroduction of treatment after assessment. These findings highlight the high prevalence of undiagnosed respiratory symptoms in adolescents born preterm and underline the need for systematic screening and structured pulmonary follow-up to prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.