Asthma in Children With Congenital Lung Malformations: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Louis W J Dossche1,2, Ghazale Farjam1, Marius J P Zuidweg1,2

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|June 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with congenital lung malformations (CLM) have a significantly higher risk of developing asthma, particularly females. This highlights the need for ongoing respiratory monitoring in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Congenital lung malformations (CLM) are developmental anomalies that can lead to respiratory issues.
  • The link between CLM and asthma is not well understood due to limited research and lack of population controls.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of asthma and associated outcomes in children with CLM.
  • To compare asthma risk and clinical course in CLM patients versus the general pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based case-control study was conducted, linking CLM patients to provincial health data.
  • Asthma diagnosis (age ≥5 years) was identified using ICD-9/10 codes.
  • Outcomes included asthma prevalence, time to diagnosis, healthcare encounters, and medication patterns.

Main Results:

  • Children with CLM showed a 2.48-fold increased risk of asthma compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • CLM cases had a threefold higher hazard of asthma diagnosis (aHR = 3.24), with females being particularly susceptible (aHR = 3.92).
  • CLM patients experienced 71% more asthma-related medical encounters annually (aIRR = 1.71).

Conclusions:

  • Children with CLM face a substantially elevated risk for asthma, characterized by earlier onset and increased healthcare utilization.
  • Female children with CLM are disproportionately affected.
  • Long-term respiratory surveillance and validated asthma assessments are crucial for managing children with CLM.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: