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Passive smoking and respiratory function in very low birthweight children
L W Doyle1, G W Ford, A Olinsky
1Division of Paediatrics, the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC Australia.
Insights
Secondhand smoke exposure negatively impacts respiratory function in very low birthweight (VLBW) children by age 11. This study highlights the detrimental effects of passive smoking on lung health in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
- Neonatal Follow-up
Background:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants (<1501g) face increased risks for respiratory complications.
- Long-term respiratory outcomes in VLBW survivors require continued monitoring.
- The impact of environmental exposures like passive smoking on VLBW children's lung development is a critical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between passive smoking exposure and respiratory function in VLBW children at 11 years of age.
- To quantify the relationship between secondhand smoke exposure levels and specific respiratory parameters.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 154 VLBW children (birthweight <1501g) born between October 1980 and March 1982 was studied.
- Respiratory function was assessed in 120 children at age 11 using spirometry.
- Passive smoking exposure was determined by household smoking history, with linear regression analyzing its impact on respiratory variables.
Main Results:
- Significant declines in airflow-related respiratory function variables were observed with increased passive smoking exposure.
- Indicators of air-trapping significantly increased in association with higher levels of secondhand smoke exposure.
- These findings suggest a dose-dependent adverse effect of passive smoking on lung function.
Conclusions:
- Passive smoking is linked to impaired respiratory function in VLBW children at 11 years old.
- Continued exposure to passive or active smoking post-11 years may exacerbate respiratory problems in this cohort.
- Early life environmental factors significantly influence long-term respiratory health in VLBW survivors.
Aim:
To determine if an adverse relationship exists between passive smoking and respiratory function in very low birthweight (VLBW) children at 11 years of age.
Setting:
The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne.
Patients:
154 consecutive surviving children of less than 1501 g birthweight born during the 18 months from 1 October 1980.
Methods:
Respiratory function of 120 of the 154 children (77.9%) at 11 years of age was measured. Exposure to passive smoking was established by history; no children were known to be actively smoking. The relationships between various respiratory function variables and the estimated number of cigarettes smoked by household members per day were analysed by linear regression.
Results:
Most respiratory function variables reflecting airflow were significantly diminished with increasing exposure to passive smoking. In addition, variables indicative of air-trapping rose significantly with increasing exposure to passive smoking.
Conclusion:
Passive smoking is associated with adverse respiratory function in surviving VLBW children 11 years of age. Continued exposure to passive smoking, or active smoking, beyond 11 years may lead to further deterioration in respiratory function in these children.