Lung Function in a Multiethnic U.S. Cohort of Adolescents and Adults Born Preterm in the New BPD Era.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Extreme preterm birth is a recognized risk factor for reduced pulmonary function over the lifespan. However, data are lacking in U.S.-born adults and in multiethnic populations.

Objective

To comprehensively evaluate lung function in adolescents and young adults born premature, and to assess for potential impact of neonatal, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic risk factors on long-term lung function.

Methods

Preterm participants aged 12-40 years of age were recruited from the Parkland Hospital Neonatal ICU Registry (Dallas County, Texas). Preterm and term-born participants completed pulmonary function testing including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and respiratory muscle forces, using Global Lung Initiative race-neutral reference equations. Influence of racial/ethnic background, neonatal factors, and socioeconomic ratings were assessed for preterm participants.

Results

Preterm participants (n = 105; gestational age 29.5 ± 2.5 weeks; current age 26 ± 6 yrs) were significantly more likely than term participants (n = 48; gestational age 39.2 ± 1.1 weeks; current age 29 ± 7 yrs) to have an obstructive or restrictive ventilatory defect (34.4% vs 14.6%, OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.26-7.93), reduced diffusion capacity (16.4% vs 2.1%, OR 9.18, 95% CI 1.47-98.3), and impaired respiratory muscle strength (27.7% vs 4.4%, OR 8.22, 95% CI 2.10-36.2). Neonatal risk factors included history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and lower weight for gestational age percentile. Lung function was worse in preterm-born Non-Hispanic Black participants compared to preterm-born Hispanic White participants, which could not be explained by available neonatal or socioeconomic factors.

Conclusion

While most moderately to extremely preterm-born individuals have normal lung function, obstructive and restrictive ventilatory defects, reduced diffusion capacity, and impaired respiratory muscle strength are common.

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Solano NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12333334 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature