Asthma prevalence, lung and cardiovascular function in adolescents born preterm

Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 12;10(1):19616. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76614-0.

Abstract

Our main objective was to study respiratory evolution and pulmonary and cardiac function in adolescents born preterm in the post-surfactant era. Observational cross-sectional study, comparing very preterm (< 32 weeks) and moderately-late preterm adolescents (≥ 32 weeks) (74 each group). We recorded respiratory symptoms, spirometry and functional echocardiogram. Very preterm adolescents required more respiratory admissions (45.9% vs. 28.4%) (p = 0.03, OR 2.1, CI95% 1.1-4.2) and had more current asthma (21.6% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.04, OR 2.3, CI95% 1.1-5.2). Preterm subjects with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) presented lower FEV1 (88.7 ± 13.9 vs. 95.9 ± 13.3, p = 0.027) and lower FVC (88.2 ± 13.6 vs. 95.5 ± 13.3, p = 0.025). When assessing right ventricle, very preterm showed a greater E/E' ratio (p = 0.02) and longer myocardial performance index (MPI) (p = 0.001). Adolescents with IUGR showed less shortening fraction (p = 0.016), worse E/E' ratio (p = 0.029) and longer MPI (p = 0.06). Regarding left ventricle, very preterm showed less E' wave velocity (p = 0.03), greater E/E' ratio (p = 0.005) and longer MPI (p < 0.001). Gestational age < 32 weeks is independently associated with current asthma in adolescence. Children 13-14 years old born very preterm required more respiratory admissions and had poorer diastolic and global function of both ventricles. IUGR is a risk factor for poorer lung function in preterm adolescents, regardless gestational age.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent*
  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Asthma / etiology
  • Cardiovascular System / physiopathology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / physiopathology
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Premature Birth*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Spirometry