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Unravelling the respiratory health path across the lifespan for survivors of preterm birth

Many survivors of preterm birth will have abnormal lung development, reduced peak lung function and, potentially, an increased rate of physiological lung function decline, each of which places them at increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease across the lifespan.

Gestational age as a predictor for subsequent preterm birth in New South Wales, Australia

There is no validated evidence base on predictive ability and absolute risk of preterm birth by gestational age of the previous pregnancy. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of mothers who gave birth to their first two children in New South Wales, 1994-2016. For each week of final gestational age of the first birth, we calculated relative and absolute risks of subsequent preterm birth.

Despite advances in neonatal care, preterm babies have lower lung function throughout their life

Analysis of worldwide research shows that despite advances in neonatal care, preterm babies have lower lung function throughout their life.

Characterising the development of molecular and hormonal circadian rhythm development in preterm infants

Jane Pillow BMedSci (Dist) MBBS, PhD (Dist) FRACP Head, Developmental Chronobiology jane.pillow@thekids.org.au Head, Developmental Chronobiology

Pulmonary Gas Exchange Improves over the First Year in Preterm Infants with and without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Right shift of the peripheral oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) versus inspired oxygen pressure (PIO2) curve is a sensitive marker of pulmonary gas exchange. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on gas exchange and right-to-left shunt in the neonatal period, and its evolution over the first year of life.

The effect of moderate-to-late preterm birth on lung function over the first 5 years of life in a South African birth cohort

Preterm birth is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, particularly due to lung disease. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have the highest rates of preterm birth. Infants born extremely preterm rarely survive, so the largest burden is amongst moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) infants. The long-term health impact on MLP children in LMIC is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MLP birth on lung function trajectories from birth to 5 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study.

Pregnancy & Birth

This research focuses on understanding how maternal health, lifestyle, and fertility influence pregnancy outcomes and the early development of children.

Elevated leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate from preterm-born infants

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), possibly contributing to persistent respiratory morbidity after preterm birth. We aimed to assess if inflammatory markers were elevated in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of infants born very prematurely (< 32 weeks gestation) at 12-16 corrected months of age, and if increased levels were associated with BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity.

New risk factor identified to help predict the long-term lung health of young adults born very preterm

A study which set out to determine ways to predict the long-term lung health of young adults born very preterm has shown that a childhood history of respiratory hospital admission should be a key consideration in the management of preterm children and adults.

Thumbs up from first preterm study participant to use new lung function testing equipment

Natasha, who is a participant in the West Australian Lung Health in Prematurity (WALHIP) study, this week became the first person to receive a lung health assessment using new state-of-the-art lung function testing equipment at Perth Children’s Hospital.