Relation of fetal growth to adult lung function in south India.

Abstract

This is further evidence that adult lung function is "programmed" in fetal life. Smoking may be particularly detrimental to the lung function of populations already disadvantaged by poor rates of fetal growth.

Weight history from birth through childhood and youth in relation to adult lung function, in Danish juvenile obese and non-obese men

“…The magnitudes of the effect of birth weight on FEV 1 found in other studies 1-3 were similar to ours, but estimates are not directly comparable because adjustment for current BMI was not made. [1][2][3] However, consistent with other investigations, 18 in our data birth weight had a positive correlation with current BMI, which could explain why its effect on adult lung function was strengthened by adjustment for current BMI. In a related literature, 19 similar considerations have been made when assessing the association of birth weight and subsequent blood pressure.…”

“…20 According to this hypothesis, conducting airways would be more susceptible to the intrauterine environment rather than alveoli. 1,21 Other studies, however, reported a positive association between birth weight and FVC, 2,3 suggesting that the significance of FVC in terms of lung volumes might not yet be clear. While the literature on growth and risk of coronary heart disease is extensive, 22 to date data on growth and adult lung function are limited.…”

“…Several studies, although, found that the association of birth weight with both FEV 1 and FVC was independent of prematurity. 2 32 Results and diet definitions are not consistent across studies and some authors, in a related literature, suggest that the associations seen could be attributed to residual social and environmental confounders acting across the life course. 33 Physical activity was not included in the analyses since it may be both a cause and a consequence of BMI, 34,35 hence making the interpretation of its adjustment very complex.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] As suggested by Edwards, 3 the reason why some studies 4,5 did not find any association might be due to the reduced variability of the samples they studied. Our population sample offered a wide range of current and past body weights, providing a high sensitivity to detect this association.…”

Preterm Birth and Long-Term Pulmonary Function

“…Specifically, is BPD a significant risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? It has long been hypothesized that COPD has its origin in fetal life (Stein et al, 1997). Additional childhood risk factors for COPD in adulthood include maternal smoking, maternal genetics, history of asthma, respiratory infections, environmental pollution and childhood nutrition (Bush, 2008;Franssen et al, 2008;Stein et al, 1997).…”