Association between neonatal sepsis and lung function in school-age children born preterm

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Neonatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Preterm birth often leads to lasting respiratory issues.
• The impact of neonatal sepsis on long-term lung function in preterm infants is not well understood.
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a known factor, but sepsis's independent role requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between neonatal sepsis and lung function in school-aged children born preterm.
• To differentiate the effects of neonatal sepsis from BPD on long-term respiratory outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study design.
• Clinical data, including neonatal sepsis history, extracted from medical records.
• Standardized spirometry performed on participants.
• Multiple linear regression with sequential adjustments used for analysis.

Main Results:

• 125 preterm children completed lung function tests.
• Neonatal sepsis history correlated with lower vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and mid-maximal expiratory flow (MMEF).
• Neonatal sepsis remained significantly associated with reduced MMEF after adjusting for confounders, even when BPD was considered.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal sepsis is an independent risk factor for impaired small airway function in school-aged preterm children.
• Findings emphasize the importance of infection prevention strategies in neonates.
• Highlights the need for targeted long-term respiratory follow-up for preterm infants with a history of sepsis.