Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology
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Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. · Nov 2013
ReviewImpact of preterm birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia on the developing lung: long-term consequences for respiratory health.
Preterm birth affects 8-10% of human pregnancies and is a major cause of long-term disability. Individuals who are born very preterm, especially if they develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), have an increased risk of impaired lung function in infancy, childhood and adulthood, as well as an increased risk of respiratory illness. Our aim is to briefly review current understanding of the basis for long-term impairments in lung function and respiratory health following preterm birth and BPD. ⋯ Long-term lung injury apparently relates to the use of mechanical ventilation and the use of supplemental oxygen in infancy. Impaired lung function in later life is due to airway hyper-reactivity and fewer alveoli, resulting in reductions in the surface area for gas exchange and physical support for bronchioles. Because the incidence of preterm birth is not declining, it will continue to be a major cause of respiratory ill-health in adults.