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). Over-all, lung function was mostly within the normal ran..