Pediatric Pulmonology: Cystic Fibrosis, Preterm Babies, Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Transplants / Organ Donations;  Cystic Fibrosis
Article Date: 30 Oct 2006 - 9:00 PDT

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Lung Transplants in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Fails To Improve Survival

A new study from the University of Utah suggests that lung transplantations in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) do not increase survival and may actually be harmful. Researchers examined 558 patients under the age of 18 who were listed for lung transplantation and an additional 265 patients who had a transplant. Factors associated with increased hazard of lung transplantation included infection, high FEV1, and diabetes for those on the waiting list, and age and infection for those after transplantation. Researchers concluded that lung transplantation may be harmful for pediatric patients with CF and that transplantation likely reduces survival rather than improving it.

Indoor Particulate Matter Increases Symptoms in Preschoolers

Reduction of indoor particulate matter (PM) levels in the homes of preschool-aged children with asthma should be targeted to improve respiratory health, states a new study. The study, from Johns Hopkins University, tested the effect of indoor PM exposure on the health of 150 asthmatic children, ages 2 to 6 years. Researchers suggest that children this age spend 90 percent of their time indoors, so indoor air from the children's homes was sampled for three-day time periods at baseline, three, and six months. In addition, caregivers filled out questionnaires. Researchers concluded that increased PM exposure in these children was associated with greater symptoms, rescue medication, and functional limitation.

Lung Disorder in Premature Babies Shows Presence After Three Years

Premature babies born with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continue to exhibit respiratory symptoms after three years of life, according to a new study from Baylor College of Medicine. The lung disorder is most commonly seen among premature infants with very low birth weight, who have received prolonged mechanical ventilation. Researchers followed 31 children with BPD for 36 months following discharge. Eighty-two percent of these children were less than 2.2 pounds at birth. Visits were conducted every three months, from three months of age to one year; and every six months, from one year to two years; and then concluded with a visit at three years. Pulmonary function tests were performed at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results showed that 45 percent of children showed persistent airway obstruction at 24 months, and 75 percent of children reported cough at 36 months.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Disorder Differ in Children

A new study shows that the differences between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and primary snoring disorder (PSD) in children are significant. Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center reviewed patient charts of 309 children, ages 6 to 17, who underwent consecutive polysomnograms. Measurements, such as daily caffeine intake, height, weight, blood pressure, and neck circumference were gathered from prior examinations. Researchers defined OSA as an obstructive apnea-hyponea index greater than one. In all, 106 patients had OSA, 113 had PSD, and 90 had normal results. Body mass index and neck circumference were among the most statistically different between patients with OSA and patients with PSD.

Low Birth Weight Not Linked to Poor Lung Function

Babies born at term with low birth weight (LBW) have minimal risk of experiencing poor lung function as adolescents, shows a new cross-sectional study. Researchers from the Philippines performed pulmonary function tests on 41 children, ages 10 to 14, to determine their FEV1 and FVC. All of the children were delivered healthy and at term, but with LBW. Other information, such as present height and weight, body mass index, smoking, and illness were recorded. Researchers concluded that there is a weak correlation between LBW and lung function among early adolescences, and only those children who experience pneumonia at less than two years showed a statistically significant change in FVC.

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CHEST 2006 abstract briefs

Contact: Jennifer Stawarz
American College of Chest Physicians

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