Association between thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and lung function in preterm infants

Abstract

Introduction:In view of the difficulties and risks of performing lung function tests in infants and the hypothesis that children with abnormal pulmonary test may exhibit thoracic musculoskeletal alterations. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of abnormal lung function and their relationship. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with children from 6 to 12 months of corrected age, born at a gestational age of <37 weeks and with a birthweight ≤1500 g, who were subjected to a lung function test and photogrammetry--an objective and non-invasive procedure. To verify the association between the thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and measure changes in lung function, univariate linear regression was used. The level of statistical significance was setted at P < 0.05. Results: Of the 38 infants, 12 (31.6%) exhibited abnormal lung function, including 9 (23.7%) with obstructive function and 3 (7.9%) with restrictive function. A significant association was noted between forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second <−2 z score and the acromion/xiphoid process/acromion angle (β = 4.935); forced vital capacity <−2 z score and the angle of the manubrium/left acromion/trapezium (β = 0.033) and forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second and forced vital capacity ratio <−2 z score and the inframammillary point/xiphoid process/inframammillary point angle (β = 0.043). Conclusion: Preterm infants with very low birthweight presented a high frequency of abnormal lung function, particularly obstructive type and thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities were associated with changes in lung function. K E Y W O R D Schild, infant pulmonary function testing, photogrammetry, premature, rehabilitation

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