Reduced Lung Function in Healthy Preterm Infants in the First Months of Life

Rationale: Preterm delivery has been associated with a higher incidence of respiratory morbidity even in infants that do not have significant respiratory disease during the neonatal period. Reduced flows have been reported in children and adolescents born prematurely.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess lung function in healthy preterm infants in the first months of life.Methods: Preterm infants with less than 48 h of supplemental oxygen were recruited. Lung function was assessed by the raised-volume rapid thoracic compression in the first months of life. The control group consisted of full-term infants without a history of respiratory diseases.Measurements and Main Results: Sixty-two preterm (29 male) and 27 full-term (10 male) infants were tested. Adjusting for length, age, and sex, we found a mean significant reduction of 92 ml/s (22%) in FEF50, 73 ml/s (21%) in FEF25–75, and 19 ml (28%) in FEV0.5 in the preterm group. These differences in expiratory flows remained significant using another m...