Birth weight <1501 g and respiratory health at age 14

Abstract

AIMS To determine the respiratory health in adolescence of children of birth weight 2499 g birth weight were studied. Children were assessed at 14 years of age. A paediatrician determined the clinical respiratory status. Lung function was measured according to standard guidelines. RESULTS Of 180 preterm children seen at age 14, 42 (23%) had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the newborn period. Readmission to hospital for respiratory ill health was infrequent in all groups and the rates of asthma were similar (15% in the 500–999 g birth weight group, 21% in the 1000–1500 g birth weight group, 21% in controls; 19% BPD, 18% no BPD). Overall, lung function was mostly within the normal range for all cohorts; few children had lung function abnormalities in clinically significant ranges. However, the preterm children had significantly lower values for variables reflecting flow. Lung function in children of 500–999 g birth weight was similar to children of 1000–1500 g birth weight. Preterm children with BPD had significantly lower values for variables reflecting flow than children without BPD. CONCLUSIONS The respiratory health of children of birth weight <1501 g at 14 years of age is comparable to that of term controls.