Journal of Neonatal Biology

Abstract

The Evaluation of Lung Function in Very Low Birth Weight Premature Infants during Preschool Age

Ayse Sevim Gokalp, Ayla Gunlemez and Seda Uyan

The advances in neonatal intensive care in recent years have led to increases in the survival rates of babies that are born smaller. Prematurity is related to a chronic respiratory morbidity, which may persist until school age. However, this situation has caused extra problems including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). It was reported that preterm children, especially those with BPD, were faced with more frequent and severe respiratory symptoms compared to control groups of full-term newborns at school age and the adolescent period. The sequelae in childhood may be aggravated by atopy and passive smoking. Therefore, systematic follow-up programs, and lung function measurements are required in determining the severity of long-term lung dysfunction and in evaluating the efficacy of treatment.