Development of lung function in infancy in 'healthy' preterm infants

Abstract

Even in the absence of overt respiratory disease during the neonatal period, reduced lung function (LF) has been reported in preterm infants. We have previously found significantly lower C_rs, V'_maxFRC, FEV_0.5 and FEF_25-75 in “healthy” preterm infants when compared to term controls (ERS de Mir, 2014)

Objectives: To assess LF at 6 and 18 months of age in preterm infants without neonatal respiratory disease, and compare the measurements to those obtained in healthy fullterm infants.

Methods: LF was measured under chloral sedation in 'healthy' preterm (30-35.8 w) and fullterm Spanish White babies, using the CareFusion^TM Masterscreen BabyBody equipment. Results were expressed as z scores to adjust for sex, age and body size (Lum, Ped Pulm 2010; Nguyen, Ped Pulm 2013).

Results: 156 infants were initially studied at mean (SD) corrected postnatal age (cPNA) of 5.9 (1.0) months. 112 (57 term and 55 preterm) were followed up at 18.3 and 18.2 months respectively. At 18 months cPNA, results were similar between the groups

Conclusions: The differences observed in our cohort between term controls and 'healthy' preterm infants at 6 months cPNA in Crs, V'_maxFRC, FEV _0,5 and FEF _25-75% was no longer evident at 18 months corrected age, suggesting a catch-up of lung function in this group of preterm infants.