Long-term expiratory airflow of infants born moderate-late preterm: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Cassidy Du Berry, Christopher Nesci, Jeanie L.Y. Cheong, Tara L FitzGerald, Rheanna Mainzer, Sarath Ranganathan, Lex W. Doyle, Elianne J.L.E. Vrijlandt, Liam Welsh
Abstract
Background: Moderate-late preterm (MLP; 32 to <37 weeks' gestation) birth is associated with reduced expiratory airflow during child, adolescent and adult years. However, some studies have reported only minimal airflow limitation and hence it is unclear if clinical assessment in later life is warranted. Our aim was to compare maximal expiratory airflow in children and adults born MLP with term-born controls, and with expected norms. Methods: of September 2021. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was conducted using a random effects model. The study protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD #42021281518). Findings: : -0.33 [-0.54 to -0.20] 94.7%. Interpretation: Those born MLP had worse expiratory airflows than those born at term, and compared with norms, although reductions were modest. Clinicians should be aware that children and adults born MLP may be at higher risk of obstructive lung disease compared with term-born peers. Funding: This work is supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (Centre of Research Excellence #1153176, Project grant #1161304); Medical Research Future Fund (Career Development Fellowship to J.L.Y Cheong #1141354) and from the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Programme. C. Du Berry's PhD candidature is supported by the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Centre of Research Excellence in Newborn Medicine.