Work

Exercise Capacity and Ventilatory Response in Children Who Were Born Preterm, With and Without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is one of the most common complications of preterm birth and has lifelong repercussions in respiratory health. Objective To examine lung function and exercise capacity and assess potential differences in exertional respiratory pattern and ventilatory and gas exchange responses in school‐aged children with a history of prematurity and/or BPD. Methods Prospective observational study including children and adolescents born preterm, with and without BPD, and healthy term‐born controls without a known history of asthma. Participants performed spirometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results Eighty‐two children aged 6−18 years (mean: 11.9 years, SD: 3.1) were enrolled and examined in three groups: preterm‐born with BPD (gestational age < 32 weeks), preterm‐born without BPD (GA < 37 weeks), and term‐born controls (GA ≥ 37 weeks). FVC, FEV 1 , FEF 25% −75% , and FEV 1 /FVC were normal and comparable among the three groups. V̇O 2 peak% was reduced in the BPD group and was significantly lower than the control group (mean difference: –14.4, CI: –28 to –0.7, adjusted p = 0.04), but the difference was not significant when adjusting for height. The BPD group had the highest mean VE/VCO 2 adjusted for height (32.7), followed by the preterm (30.3) and the control group (29.5), and the difference between the BPD and control group was statistically significant ( p = 0.015). Moreover, BPD status was significantly associated with increased VE/VCO 2 ( β = +3.2, CI: 1–5.4, p = 0.005). The rest of the CPET parameters were within normal limits and comparable among groups. Conclusions Children with BPD have normal lung function but reduced exercise capacity and decreased ventilatory efficiency during exercise.

Source: Pediatric Pulmonology

DOI: 10.1002/ppul.71492

Authors: Eleana Kouroukli, Kosmas Sarafidis, John Tsanakas, Elpis Hatziagorou

Institution: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Language: English

Topic: Neonatal Respiratory Health Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,740