Progressive static pulmonary hyperinflation in survivors of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia by mid-adulthood

• Published in: Thorax Vol. 67; no. 8; pp. 747 - 748
• Main Authors: Trachsel, Daniel, Brutsche, Martin H, Hug-Batschelet, Henriette, Hammer, Jürg
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Thoracic Society 01.08.2012; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia - physiopathology; Cardiology. Vascular system; Child; chronic lung disease; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease epidemiology; clinical epidemiology; Disease Progression; emphysema; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Lung diseases; lung physiology; Male; Medical sciences; Nutrition; outcome; Pneumology; prematurity; respiratory measurement; Respiratory system : syndromes and miscellaneous diseases; Surfactants; systemic disease and lungs; Total Lung Capacity - physiology; Ventilation; Premature; Lung disease; Statics; Hyperinflation; Respiratory disease; Survivor; Lung; Progressive; Newborn diseases; Bronchus disease; Anesthesia; Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Circulatory system; Cardiology; Severe
• ISSN: 0040-6376; 1468-3296; 1468-3296
• DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2011-200695

BackgroundSevere bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) might be associated with an accelerated age–related decline of lung function.Methods14 individuals were studied longitudinally at 15±4, 18±3 and 38±3.2 years. Information on personal history was completed, and lung function testing and skin prick testing were performed. Longitudinal data were compared intra-individually and with matched controls from the NHANES III dataset.ResultsThe ratio of residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC) increased markedly from 25.9±7.0% to 39.3±6.8%. A significant time-effect was found compared to controls for the forced vital capacity (FVC) which decreased more rapidly than expected. Flow values were at the lower limit of normal range but remained relatively stable over time. Some individuals had completely normal lung function results.ConclusionIncreasing static pulmonary hyperinflation with age is indicative of bronchiolar dysfunction or early emphysematous changes in survivors of severe BPD. Susceptibility for long-term sequelae shows significant variability.