Abstract
Background: Children born preterm are reported to snore more frequently than those born at term.
Aim: To investigate the association between snoring and lung function at age 5 in a cohort of children born very preterm.
Methods: As part of the ACTION Study, all 22-31 wk gestational age (GA) infants discharged from July 2003 to June 2004 and those <28 wk GA discharged between July 2004 and June 2005 in Tuscany (Italy) were invited to measure interrupter resistance (Rint), respiratory resistance at 8 Hz (Rrs8) and respiratory reactance at 8 Hz (Xrs8) at age 5. A validated questionnaire was filled in by parents. Snoring was reported as never, occasional (<once/wk), frequent (1-4 times/wk), or constant (5-7 times/wk).
Results: Children enrolled were 194 [median (range) age 5.2 (4.5-7.0) yr, GA 28.1 (23-31) wk]. Rint was performed by 193 children, Rrs8 and Xrs8 by 185. Mean (SD) results by snoring group are reported in the table.
No difference was found in Rint, Rrs8 or Xrs8 among the first 3 categories of snoring. When comparing those who snored constantly to the other categories grouped together Rint was borderline higher (1.01 vs 0.89 kPa.L-1.s; p=0.062) and Rrs8 was significantly increased (9.16 vs 8.14 hPa.L-1.s; p 0.032), while no difference was found for Xrs8 (-3.00 vs -2.59 hPa.L-1.s; p= 0.191).
Conclusion: Children born very preterm with constant snoring have increased respiratory resistance that can be detected at preschool age using feasible techniques.
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