The EPICure Study: Association Between Hemodynamics and Lung Function at 11 Years After Extremely Preterm Birth

Impaired lung function has repeatedly been demonstrated in children born preterm, independent of other pulmonary risks. Bolton and colleagues examined the association between lung function, maternal smoking, and augmentation index (AIx) in children born extremely preterm. AIx was found to be higher in preterm infants compared to term-born peers, with impaired lung function being independently associated with AIx. The study highlighted the importance of preventing chronic neonatal lung disease to reduce cardiovascular risk in preterm infants. Additionally, impaired lung function has been shown to be a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults, emphasizing the long-term ramifications of preterm birth on cardiovascular health.