The Long-Term Impact of Prematurity on Lung Conditions
Preterm birth and early life exposures have been linked to the development of chronic respiratory disease in adulthood, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1
Though research has shown that adverse early-life exposures are common in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, it is not yet fully understood how these factors contribute to the development of COPD or asthma.2,3
There is currently limited evidence of how premature individuals are managed once they have transitioned into adult care.4 Furthermore, qualitative research has shown that a number of adult respiratory physicians who were surveyed do not enquire about early life experiences, such as prematurity, during their consultation with patients.5
Professor Andrew Bush presents on the pulmonary complications associated with prematurity in childhood, with a focus on airflow obstruction. He also highlights research on the impact of early life exposures on morbidity in adult life.
Please also consider watching the on-demand video ‘Preterm Birth and Adult Lung Health: Lessons from the Field of COPD’ by Dr James Allinson, which also includes a perspective from an adult who was born premature.
References
1. Stocks J, Hislop A, Sonnappa S. Early lung development: lifelong effect on respiratory health and disease. Lancet Respir Med. 2013;1:728–742.
2. Martinez F.J, Han M.K, Allinson J P. et al. At the Root: Defining and Halting Progression of Early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;197(12):1540–1551.
3. Harju M, Keski-Nisula L, Georgiadis L, et al. The burden of childhood asthma and late preterm and early term births. J Pediatr. 2014;164(2):295-9 e1.
4. Bolton C E, Bush A, Hurst J R, Kotecha S, McGarvey L. “Lung consequences in adults born prematurely.” Thorax vol. 70,6 (2015): 574-80. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-206590 5. Bolton CE, Bush A, Hurst JR, et al. Are early life factors considered when managing respiratory disease? A British Thoracic Society survey of current practice. Thorax. 2012;67(12):1110.
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Professor Andrew Bush
Professor of Paediatrics and Paediatric Respirology