A new study has found a link between preterm birth and a higher likelihood of developing asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The study, which examined medical records of over 40,000 individuals born preterm, highlights the need for early intervention and monitoring of respiratory health in those born prematurely. This article delves into the details of the study and the potential implications for healthcare providers and patients alike.
According to a recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal, preterm birth is associated with a higher risk of adult asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study included over 2.6 million people from nationwide register data on individuals born in Finland and Norway. Researchers obtained follow-up register data on the amount of care episode for asthma and COPD in Finland and Norway and estimated the odds ratio (OR) for having a care episode with either asthma or COPD.
Those born extremely preterm before 28 weeks, or between 28 to 31 weeks, were found to have 2- to 3-fold increased odds of having an obstructive airway disease in adulthood, compared to those born full-term (39 to 41 weeks). However, among individuals born at 32 to 33, 34 to 36, or 37 to 38 weeks, the odds were between 1.1- to 1.5-fold. The associations were found to be similar across both Finnish and Norwegian data among individuals aged 18 to 29 and 30 to 50 years.
Individuals born at less than 28 weeks had the highest association for COPD at ages 30 to 50 years (OR, 7.44; 95% CI, 3.49-15.85), followed by those born 28 to 31 weeks (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 2.23-4.54). The researchers found bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infancy to increase the odds even more for those born less than 28 weeks and between 32 to 31 weeks preterm.
Although preterm birth is known to affect the lungs in many ways, little is known on how these breathing problems present themselves in adulthood. The current study shows that the risk extends at least up to middle age. The researchers acknowledge some limitations to this study, including the fact that individual asthma and COPD diagnoses couldn’t be independently verified using clinical function measures, and that their results do not show the full spectrum of these respiratory conditions, only the most severe asthma and COPD cases.
However, the researchers think their results illustrate consistent and significant associations between children born prematurely and the odds of those individuals having asthma or COPD later in adulthood. Therefore, high-risk groups of preterm-born individuals, such as extremely or very preterm or those with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, could benefit from more systematic follow-up with specialized teams who have knowledge on risks, possible prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and treatment. In these groups, the excess risks are clinically significant and call for particular diagnostic vigilance when individuals born preterm present with respiratory symptoms.
In conclusion, it is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and address respiratory health concerns in individuals born prematurely. The findings of this study highlight the potential long-term effects preterm birth can have on respiratory health and emphasize the importance of early intervention and prevention measures. By implementing targeted strategies to reduce the incidence of preterm births and enhancing respiratory care for those who were born prematurely, we can help reduce the risk of developing asthma or COPD in adulthood. With further research, we can gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that link preterm birth to respiratory health issues and identify more effective treatment options, ultimately working towards improving the health outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
