Trajectories of prematurity-associated lung disease: lifelong lung health

Preterm birth is increasingly recognised as adversely influencing lifelong lung function. This Series paper on prematurity-associated lung disease reviews studies reporting longitudinal lung function measurements in individuals who were born preterm. Evidence suggests that preterm birth alters lung function trajectories from early life onwards, with implications for future respiratory morbidity. We propose that this population needs rigorous follow up that should include systematic monitoring of lung function across the lifespan, starting in childhood.

Citation:
Du Berry C, Gray DM, Bates A, Salaam-Geydien D, Doyle LW, Simpson SJ. Trajectories of prematurity-associated lung disease: lifelong lung health. Lancet Respir Med. 2026;14(1):72-84.

Keywords:
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; newborn; premature; etiology; lung disease; chonic obstructive; pulmonary; respiratory function tests

Abstract:
Preterm birth is increasingly recognised as adversely influencing lifelong lung function. This Series paper on prematurity-associated lung disease reviews studies reporting longitudinal lung function measurements in individuals who were born preterm. Evidence suggests that preterm birth alters lung function trajectories from early life onwards, with implications for future respiratory morbidity. We propose that this population needs rigorous follow up that should include systematic monitoring of lung function across the lifespan, starting in childhood.