Lung function and respiratory symptoms at 11 years in children born extremely preterm: the EPICure study.
BACKGROUND
The long-term respiratory sequelae of infants born extremely preterm (EP) and now graduating from neonatal intensive care remains uncertain.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the degree of respiratory morbidity and functional impairment at 11 years in children born EP (i.e., at or less than 25 completed weeks of gestation) in relation to neonatal determinants and current clinical status.


METHODS
Pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry were undertaken at school in children born EP and classroom control subjects. Physical examination and respiratory health questionnaires were completed. Multivariable regression was used to estimate the predictive power of potential determinants of lung function.


RESULTS
Spirometry was obtained in 182 of 219 children born EP (129 with prior bronchopulmonary dysplasia [BPD]) and 161 of 169 classmates, matched for age, sex, and ethnic group. Children born EP had significantly more chest deformities and respiratory symptoms than classmates, with twice as many (25 vs. 13%; P < 0.01) having a current diagnosis of asthma. Baseline spirometry was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) and bronchodilator responsiveness was increased in those born EP, the changes being most marked in those with prior BPD. EP birth, BPD, current symptoms, and treatment with beta-agonists are each associated independently with lung function z-scores (adjusted for age, sex, and height) at 11 years. Fifty-six percent of children born EP had abnormal baseline spirometry and 27% had a positive bronchodilator response, but less than half of those with impaired lung function were receiving any medication.


CONCLUSIONS
After extremely preterm birth, impaired lung function and increased respiratory morbidity persist into middle childhood, especially among those with BPD. Many of these children may not be receiving appropriate treatment.
Fawke
Joseph
J
Portex Unit: Respiratory Physiology and Medicine, UCL, Institute of Child Health, WC1N 1EH London, UK. j.stocks@ich.ucl.ac.uk
Lum
Sooky
S
Kirkby
Jane
J
Hennessy
Enid
E
Marlow
Neil
N
Rowell
Victoria
V
Thomas
Sue
S
Stocks
Janet
J
D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D056152:Respiratory Rate; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D013147:Spirometry
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents