Abstract
Prematurely born children are known to have more respiratory symptoms during their first years of life than children born full-term, particularly in those children who had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Thus BPD is considered a risk factor for children wheezing and asthma. The predisposition to atopy of children born preterm can be assumed to differ from that of children born at term.
Aim: To evaluate the respiratory symptoms and the frequency of atopy in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, at school age.
Material and Methods: 45 children with BPD (Shennan criteria) were included: (M/F: 34/11); mean gestational age: 29,4 weeks (range 24–34); mean birth weight 1205 grams (range 570-1900). Thirty children were evaluated at 4 years of life. Respiratory symptoms and laboratory evaluation were collected. Total and specific IgE (inhaled and food antigens) determinations were done. BPD was defined by oxygen dependence at 36 weeks post conceptional age. Atopy was considered when a positive result of either specific IgE test was obtained.
Results: 22/30 (73%) children presented with respiratory symptoms during the first 2 years of life. Seven patients at 4 years of life had recurrent wheezing. Atopy (specific IgE positive) was seen in 10/30 (33,3%) children and 5/10 (50%) patients had family history of atopy. At school age all patients were free of respiratory symptoms. Prick tests were realised in 36 children and were positive in 4/36 (11%) cases. These 4 cases have been identified by specific IgE at preschool age.
Conclusion: This study shows that 1) in patients with BPD the respiratory symptoms improve in the first few years of life; 2) the frequency of atopy in BPD patients is similar to the general population in our country; 3) Neonatal respiratory events remain probably the strongest predictor of respiratory symptoms in these patients.
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Guimarées, H., Pissarra, S., P Ramos, J. et al. 161 Respiratory Symptoms and Atopy in Children with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Pediatr Res 58, 382 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00190
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00190