Respiratory Health in Prematurely Born Preschool Children with and without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Vrijlandt, E.J.L.E.; Boezen, H.M.; Gerritsen, J.; Stremmelaar, E.F.; Duiverman, E.J.

doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2006.12.007

« Previous Next »The Journal of Pediatrics
Volume 150, Issue 3 , Pages 256-261, March 2007

Respiratory Health in Prematurely Born Preschool Children with and without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

E.J.L.E. Vrijlandt, MD, PhD
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
- Reprint requests: Elianne J. L. E. Vrijlandt, MD, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, NL9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
H.M. Boezen, PhD
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
J. Gerritsen, MD, PhD
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
E.F. Stremmelaar, MD
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
E.J. Duiverman, MD, PhD
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Received 7 July 2006; received in revised form 4 October 2006; accepted 6 December 2006.

Objective

To investigate the respiratory health of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at preschool age and to determine whether lung function (measured by forced oscillation technique (FOT) and interruption technique (Rint) is affected by BPD in preterm infants compared with preterm infants without BPD.

Study design

Participants: 3 to 5 years of age born preterm with BPD (N = 40, mean gestational age 28 weeks, mean birth weight 1051 g), and without BPD (N = 36, mean gestational age 29 weeks, mean birth weight 1179 g). Outcome variables: prevalence of symptoms determined by European Community Respiratory Health Survey and lung function measured by FOT and Rint.

Results

A large percentage of infants in both preterm groups reported respiratory symptoms during the last 12 months. Lung function measurements showed higher resonant frequency (Hz) in BPD compared with non-BPD (mean 26.8 vs 22.7, P < .001) and lower mean reactance X_4-24 (hPa.s/l)(–3.0 vs –1.9, P = .005). No differences were found in respiratory resistance between the groups, although the mean values of both groups were increased compared with reference values.

Conclusion

Preterm birth affects respiratory health at 3 to 5 years of age. Children with BPD could be distinguished from children without BPD based on a higher resonant frequency and a lower mean reactance.

Abbreviations: FOT, Forced oscillation technique, f_res, Resonance frequency, ICS, Inhaled corticosteroids, Rint, Interrupter respiratory resistance technique, R_rs, Resistance of the respiratory system, R_rs6, Resistance measured at oscillation frequency of 6 Hz, RSV, Respiratory syncytial virus, X_rs, Reactance of the respiratory system