title: Long-term respiratory consequences of premature birth at less than 32 weeks of gestation.
abstract: Chronic respiratory morbidity is a common adverse outcome of very premature birth, particularly in infants who had developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Prematurely born infants who had BPD may require supplementary oxygen at home for many months and affected infants have increased healthcare utilisation until school age. Chest radiograph abnormalities are common; computed tomography of the chest gives predictive information in children with ongoing respiratory problems. Readmission to hospital is common, particularly for those who have BPD and suffer respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory infections (RSV LRTIs). Recurrent respiratory symptoms requiring treatment are common and are associated with evidence of airways obstruction and gas trapping. Pulmonary function improves with increasing age, but children with BPD may have ongoing airflow limitation. Lung function abnormalities may be more severe in those who had RSV LRTIs, although this may partly be explained by worse premorbid lung function. Worryingly, lung function may deteriorate during the first year. Longitudinal studies are required to determine if there is catch up growth.
authors.affiliation: Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, The MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma King's College, London, UK. Electronic address: anne.greenough@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Greenough
mesh_terms: D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D013995:Time
keywords: Bronchopulmonary dypslasia; Lung function; Prematurity