Kristie McNealy, MD

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine shows that even healthy preemies have decreased respiratory function into the second year of life. Researchers performed pulmonary function tests on preemies born between 30 and 34 weeks gestation at an average of 15 months of age, and compared them to the test results of full term infants.

The study showed that certain lung function values remained abnormal into the second year of life, although lung volume in relation to body size was similar between the preemies and full term infants. Surprisingly, babies who were born with better lung function and a lower need for supplemental oxygen, had poorer lung function at the time of this testing.

According to the researchers, the poor lung function found in this study may partially explain why preemies are more susceptible to respiratory viruses. The fact that lung volumes data indicates that preemies do not experience catch-up lung growth.

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