RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Respiratory and neurological outcomes in children born preterm study (RANOPs): Preterm outcomes
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P1253
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Martin Edwards
A1 Sarah Kotecha
A1 John Lowe
A1 W. John Watkins
A1 A. John Henderson
A1 Sailesh Kotecha
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1253.abstract
AB IntroductionDecreased lung function and poor respiratory symptoms are associated with preterm birth in children. Research suggests that preterm birth is associated with increased risk of wheezing disorders in later life.AimsTo identify if there was an association between gestational age at birth and respiratory health in childhood. To assess the prevalence of wheezing and the reported diagnosis in children born preterm compared to term controls.MethodsA cross sectional survey of all surviving preterm-born children in Wales (N=13361) with matched term-control children was undertaken (N=13361). Children aged 1-10 years old were sent questionnaires (based on ISAAC) to assess respiratory and general health outcomes. Additional data was gathered from national health database. Data was analysed by gestational groups and children &lt;5 or ≥ 5 years of age.ResultsThe &lt;5 years old preterm born children (n=2080), compared to term (n=1380), had higher reported rates of wheezing ever (56% vs 42%, p&lt;0.001), wheeze in the last 3 months (34% vs 19%, p&lt;0.001) and use of inhaled medication (23% vs 12%, p&lt;0.001). This was the same for ≥5 years old preterm born children (n=2068), compared to term controls (n=1456); wheeze ever (43% vs 28%, p&lt;0.001); wheeze over last 12 months (22% vs 15%, p&lt;0.001) and use of inhaled medication (16% vs 11%, p&lt;0.001). Analysis by gestational groups showed a gradient of increasing respiratory symptoms and use of inhaled medication for each week of birth prior to 38 weeks.ConclusionIncreasing prematurity was clearly associated with increasing respiratory symptoms and increased treatment for wheezing disorders in childhood.