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Effect of preterm birth on pulmonary function at school age: a prospective controlled study
S J Gross1, D M Iannuzzi, D A Kveselis
1Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210, USA.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Children born prematurely with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) experience long-term lung problems, including airway obstruction and increased rehospitalization. Those born preterm without BPD had similar lung function to term-born children at age 7.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neonatology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease affecting premature infants.
- Long-term pulmonary outcomes for preterm survivors require further investigation.
- Understanding the impact of BPD on childhood lung health is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term pulmonary function in a cohort of children born preterm (< 32 weeks' gestation).
- To compare pulmonary outcomes between preterm children with and without a history of BPD.
- To compare outcomes with a matched group of children born at term.
Main Methods:
- A regional cohort of 125 surviving preterm children (24-31 weeks' gestation) was assessed at age 7.
- A sociodemographically matched term-born control group was included for comparison.
- Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry and bronchodilator responsiveness, were performed.
Main Results:
- Preterm children with prior BPD had higher rehospitalization rates (53% vs. 26%) in the first two years.
- At age 7, the BPD group exhibited significantly more airway obstruction (reduced FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%) compared to both preterm without BPD and term controls.
- Bronchodilator responsiveness was more frequent in preterm children with BPD (47%) than in those without (25%) or term controls (21%).
Conclusions:
- Preterm children without a history of BPD exhibit normal pulmonary function at school age, comparable to term-born peers.
- Preterm children with a history of BPD demonstrate persistent abnormal pulmonary function and airway obstruction.
- History of BPD is a significant predictor of long-term respiratory morbidity in preterm survivors.