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Unlocking the first year: Immunologic, hematologic, and lung health challenges in premature infants

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Data on the development of immune, hematologic, and lung function in preterm infants beyond the early postnatal period are limited. This study aimed to determine whether these systems in preterm infants mature to levels comparable to full-term infants by one year of age. METHODS: Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced cytokine responses, prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, and infant lung function (ILFT) measurements were investigated in premature and full-term infants at 1 year of age. RESULTS: By the corrected age of 1 year, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was comparable between full-term (18.4 %) and preterm infants (22.7 %). However, preterm infants exhibited lower IL-6 and IL-10 responses to TLR7/8 and phytohemagglutinin stimulation compared to their full-term counterparts. While ILFT measurements showed no significant overall differences, infants born before 34 weeks of gestation had lower tidal volumes than late-preterm and full-term infants (p < 0.031). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anemia between full-term and preterm infants. However, preterm infants, especially those born before 34 weeks of gestation, may continue to show unique immunologic and pulmonary function profiles beyond infancy. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of preterm infants to address their unique health challenges.

Source: Pediatrics & Neonatology

DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2025.04.007