Abstract
Introduction: We have previously reported increased respiratory symptoms in adult survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) compared with very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1500g) and term controls. Here we report preliminary findings from spirometric and Lung Clearance Index (LCI) measurements.
Objective: To investigate whether adult survivors of BPD have greater impairment of lung function and LCI than age and gender matched VLBW and term controls.
Methods: Spirometry measurements (MicroLab ML3500 Mk8™) were obtained in 16 BPD [8male; mean (SD) age 24.9 (3.9) y], 9 VLBW [Mean (SD) age 25.8 (3.73) y] and 55 term controls [30 male; mean (SD) age 26.0 (4.0) y]. LCI measurements (Innocor™ device) obtained in BPD and VLBW participants were compared to 17 healthy controls [6M, mean (SD) age 30.5 (7.5) y].
Results: For all spirometry end points (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75), BPD adults had significantly lower values than term controls (p<0.001). Mean FEV1 and FEV1/FVC measurements were lower in BPD adults than VLBW (p<0.05)). Mean LCI measurements were higher (more impaired) in BPD [mean (SD) 6.99 (0.78)] versus healthy controls [mean (SD) 6.36 (0.362)] (p=0.006). LCI measurements were also higher in BPD than VLBW but this was not statistically significant. Three BPD subjects had entirely normal spirometry but abnormal LCI values (value > healthy control mean +2SD).
Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest persisting lung function impairment in adult survivors of BPD. LCI may be a useful tool in detecting early small airways disease in adult survivors of preterm birth.
- © 2012 ERS
