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.
Sanchez‐Solano et al. (Fri,) studied this question.