Multimodal longitudinal respiratory function assessment in very low birth weight 7-year-old children

Poor early childhood growth is associated with impaired lung function: Evidence from a Ghanaian pregnancy cohort

“…Our data from Ghana suggest that poorer anthropometry beginning at birth and through age 4 years are independently associated with impaired respiratory mechanics in early childhood. The observed difference in R 5 and AX in children assigned to trajectories consistent with stunting or being underweight as compared to normal is similar to or greater than previously reported for children with uncontrolled asthma and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, as compared to normal children and similar in magnitude to baseline differences predictive of future asthma exacerbations 34–36 . Given the high prevalence of stunting and being underweight in the region, the population at‐risk for poorer lung function is significant.…”

“…We found that infants with lower birth weight have increased R Infants born with fetal growth restriction and bronchopulmonary dysplasia have altered alveolar and pulmonary vascular development resulting in an increased airway resistance phenotype. 34 Supporting evidence from animal studies suggest that fetal growth restriction results in airway remodeling, thickened airspace walls including increased smooth muscle mass and altered extracellular matrix composition and smaller cross-sectional size of conductive airways. [39][40][41][42] Lung development continues postnatally through adolescence with rapid alveolar expansion and enlargement of airways.…”

“…The observed difference in R 5 and AX in children assigned to trajectories consistent with stunting or being underweight as compared to normal is similar to or greater than previously reported for children with uncontrolled asthma and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, as compared to normal children and similar in magnitude to baseline differences predictive of future asthma exacerbations. [34][35][36] Given the high prevalence of stunting and being underweight in the region, the population at-risk for poorer lung function is significant. Establishing good early life lung function is critical for lung health in childhood and attaining maximal lung health over the life course.…”

“…Low birth weight reflects impaired global fetal development and these findings suggest altered organ structure and tissue remodeling with wide ranging effects. Infants born with fetal growth restriction and bronchopulmonary dysplasia have altered alveolar and pulmonary vascular development resulting in an increased airway resistance phenotype 34 . Supporting evidence from animal studies suggest that fetal growth restriction results in airway remodeling, thickened airspace walls including increased smooth muscle mass and altered extracellular matrix composition and smaller cross‐sectional size of conductive airways 39–42 …”

Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care Intervention on Immunological and Pulmonary Functions of Preterm Infants during Breastfeeding

“…As is known to all, due to the incomplete development of the respiratory system, PTIs may compress the lungs due to the heart, ribs, and other organs and tissues when they remain supine or side lying, reducing the compliance of the lungs and making it more difficult for the originally incomplete pulmonary function to operate [ 27 ]. By lying on the stomach, children can keep their lungs on top and their heart on the bottom, thereby reducing the compression area of lung tissue and helping the lungs to achieve the optimal level of expansion and compliance [ 28 ]. This state can not only more reliably maintain the normal operation of pulmonary function, but also enable the newborn to obtain a more stable respiratory cycle, contributing to a higher quality of sleep and rest.…”