Preterm Birth and Adult Lung Health: Lessons From the Field of COPD
Lung function in early adulthood has been shown to set the future trajectory of lung function for the rest of individual’s life span.1,2 Many factors can be associated with lung function decline over an individual’s life such as early life exposures, childhood, occupational, co-morbidities, age-related and lifestyle.
This presentation aims to focus on how early life exposures such as acute lower respiratory infections and prematurity are a risk factor for obstructive lung disease, even manifesting as COPD later in life.4,5
Dr James Allinson explores how COPD and lung health develops across the life course with the aim of finding ways to improve the treatment of those with the established disease. He raises the question to clinicians, ‘How can we optimise lung health across life for those born preterm?’
You will also hear the experience of an individual born prematurely, Ms. Lauren Ingledow from the Adult Preemie Advocacy Network, answering some questions around this topic.
Please also consider watching the on-demand video ‘The Long-Term Impact of Prematurity on Lung Conditions’ by Professor Andrew Bush.
References
1. Fletcher C, et al. The natural history of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Oxford University Press 1976;
2. Lang P, et al. New Eng: J Med 2015; 373:111-122.
3. Hopkinson N, et al. Early life Exposures and the Development og
4. Bui et al, Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2022, Vol. 10, p.478-84. 5. Allison JP, et al. Lancet 2023; 401: 1183 – 1193.
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Dr James Allinson
Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and Consultant Respiratory Physician