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Common asthma drug gives hope for better lung health for some preterm babies

A new study has found a common asthma drug is effective for some very premature babies who go on to suffer from lung complications.

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

Fellowship to support research into ways to improve the lung health of people born preterm

Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre researcher Ms Denby Evans has been awarded one of four inaugural fellowships supported by the State's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and Brightspark Foundation, enabling her to further her research into ways to improve the lung health of people

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.

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.

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.

Pregnancy & Birth

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

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.

Very preterm babies at risk of declining lung function throughout childhood

A The Kids Research Institute Australia study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health has found that survivors of very preterm birth face declining lung function