Day care increases the risk of respiratory morbidity in chronic lung disease of prematurity

Long-term pulmonary outcomes in BPD throughout the life-course

Respiratory disease is one of the most common complications of preterm birth. Survivors of prematurity have increased risks of morbidities and mortalities independent of prematurity, and frequently require multiple medications, home respiratory support, and subspecialty care to maintain health. Although advances in neonatal and pulmonary care have improved overall survival, earlier gestational age, lower birth weight, chorioamnionitis and late onset sepsis continue to be major factors in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. These early life events associated with prematurity can have respiratory consequences that persist into adulthood. Furthermore, after initial hospital discharge, air pollution, respiratory tract infections and socioeconomic status may modify lung growth trajectories and influence respiratory outcomes in later life. Given that the incidence of respiratory disease associated with prematurity remains stable or increased, there is a need for pediatric and adult providers to be familiar with the natural history, manifestations, and common complications of disease.

Number of children in the household influences respiratory morbidities in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the outpatient setting

BACKGROUND

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common complication of prematurity, is associated with outpatient morbidities, including respiratory exacerbations. Daycare attendance is associated with increased rates of acute and chronic morbidities in children with BPD. We sought to determine if additional children in the household conferred similar risks for children with BPD.

METHODS

The number of children in the household and clinical outcomes were obtained via validated instruments for 933 subjects recruited from 13 BPD specialty clinics in the United States. Clustered logistic regression models were used to test for associations.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age of the study population was 26.5 ± 2.2 weeks and most subjects (69.1%) had severe BPD. The mean number of children in households (including the subject) was 2.1 ± 1.3 children. Each additional child in the household was associated with a 13% increased risk for hospital admission, 13% increased risk for antibiotic use for respiratory illnesses, 10% increased risk for coughing/wheezing/shortness of breath, 14% increased risk for nighttime symptoms, and 18% increased risk for rescue medication use. Additional analyses found that the increased risks were most prominent when there were three or more other children in the household.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that additional children in the household were a risk factor for adverse respiratory outcomes. We speculate that secondary person-to-person transmission of respiratory viral infections drives this finding. While this risk factor is not easily modified, measures do exist to mitigate this disease burden. Further studies are needed to define best practices for mitigating this risk associated with household viral transmission.

Validation of an outpatient questionnaire for bronchopulmonary dysplasia control

INTRODUCTION

Despite bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) being a common morbidity of preterm birth, there is no validated objective tool to assess outpatient respiratory symptom control for clinical and research purposes.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 1049 preterm infants and children seen in outpatient BPD clinics of 13 US tertiary care centers from 2018 to 2022. A new standardized instrument was modified from an asthma control test questionnaire and administered at the time of clinic visits. External measures of acute care use were also collected. The questionnaire for BPD control was validated in the entire population and selected subgroups using standard methodology for internal reliability, construct validity, and discriminative properties.

RESULTS

Based on the scores from BPD control questionnaire, the majority of caregivers (86.2%) felt their child's symptoms were under control, which did not differ by BPD severity (p = 0.30) or a history of pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.42). Across the entire population and selected subgroups, the BPD control questionnaire was internally reliable, suggestive of construct validity (albeit correlation coefficients were -0.2 to -0.4.), and discriminated control well. Control categories (controlled, partially controlled, and uncontrolled) were also predictive of sick visits, emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a tool for assessing respiratory control in children with BPD for clinical care and research studies. Further work is needed to identify modifiable predictors of disease control and link scores from the BPD control questionnaire to other measures of respiratory health such as lung function testing.

The Role of Work as a Social Determinant of Health in Mother's Own Milk Feeding Decisions for Preterm Infants: A State of the Science Review

In the United States, 10% of infants are born preterm (PT; <37 weeks gestational age) each year and are at higher risk of complications compared to full term infants. The burden of PT birth is borne disproportionately by Black versus non-Black families, with Black mothers significantly more likely to give birth to a PT infant. One proven strategy to improve short- and long-term health outcomes in PT infants is to feed mother's own milk (MOM; breast milk from the mother). However, mothers must make decisions about work and MOM provision following PT birth, and more time spent in paid work may reduce time spent in unpaid activities, including MOM provision. Non-Black PT infants are substantially more likely than Black PT infants to receive MOM during the birth hospitalization, and this disparity is likely to be influenced by the complex decisions mothers of PT infants make about allocating their time between paid and unpaid work. Work is a social determinant of health that provides a source of income and health insurance coverage, and at the same time, has been shown to create disparities through poorer job quality, lower earnings, and more precarious employment in racial and ethnic minority populations. However, little is known about the relationship between work and disparities in MOM provision by mothers of PT infants. This State of the Science review synthesizes the literature on paid and unpaid work and MOM provision, including: (1) the complex decisions that mothers of PT infants make about returning to work, (2) racial and ethnic disparities in paid and unpaid workloads of mothers, and (3) the relationship between components of job quality and duration of MOM provision. Important gaps in the literature and opportunities for future research are summarized, including the generalizability of findings to other countries.

Daycare Attendance is Linked to Increased Risk of Respiratory Morbidities in Children Born Preterm with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that daycare attendance among children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with increased chronic respiratory symptoms and/or greater health care use for respiratory illnesses during the first 3 years of life.

STUDY DESIGN

Daycare attendance and clinical outcomes were obtained via standardized instruments for 341 subjects recruited from 9 BPD specialty clinics in the US. All subjects were former infants born preterm (<34 weeks) with BPD (71% severe) requiring outpatient follow-up between 0 and 3 years of age. Mixed logistic regression models were used to test for associations.

RESULTS

Children with BPD attending daycare were more likely to have emergency department visits and systemic steroid usage. Children in daycare up to 3 years of age also were more likely to report trouble breathing, having activity limitations, and using rescue medications when compared with children not in daycare. More severe manifestations were found in children attending daycare between 6 and 12 months of chronological age.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, children born preterm with BPD who attend daycare were more likely to visit the emergency department, use systemic steroids, and have chronic respiratory symptoms compared with children not in daycare, indicating that daycare may be a potential modifiable risk factor to minimize respiratory morbidities in children with BPD during the preschool years.

Perinatal Inflammatory Biomarkers and Respiratory Disease in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE

To measure plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and several cytokines (Interleukin [IL]-6 IL-8, IL-10) during the first week of life to examine the relationship between protein expression and likelihood of developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

STUDY DESIGN

Levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and VEGF were measured from plasma obtained from preterm patients during the first week of life. Newborns were recruited from a single center between April 2009 and April 2019. Criteria for the study included being inborn, birth weight of less than 1500 grams, and a gestational age of less than 32 weeks at birth.

RESULTS

The development of RDS in preterm newborns was associated with lower levels of VEGF during the first week of life. Higher plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 plasma were associated with an increased likelihood and increased severity of BPD at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. In contrast, plasma levels of VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 obtained during the first week of life were not associated with respiratory symptoms and acute care use in young children with BPD in the outpatient setting.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first week of life, lower plasma levels of VEGF was associated with the diagnosis of RDS in preterm infants. Preterm infants with higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 during the first week of life were also more likely to be diagnosed with BPD. These biomarkers may help to predict respiratory morbidities in preterm newborns during their initial hospitalization.

Insurance coverage and respiratory morbidities in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

INTRODUCTION

Preterm infants and young children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at increased risk for acute care utilization and chronic respiratory symptoms during early life. Identifying risk factors for respiratory morbidities in the outpatient setting could decrease the burden of care. We hypothesized that public insurance coverage was associated with higher acute care usage and respiratory symptoms in preterm infants and children with BPD after initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.

METHODS

Subjects were recruited from BPD clinics at 10 tertiary care centers in the United States between 2018 and 2021. Demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained through chart review. Surveys for clinical outcomes were administered to caregivers.

RESULTS

Of the 470 subjects included in this study, 249 (53.0%) received employer-based insurance coverage and 221 (47.0%) received Medicaid as sole coverage at least once between 0 and 3 years of age. The Medicaid group was twice as likely to have sick visits (adjusted odd ratio [OR]: 2.06; p = 0.009) and emergency department visits (aOR: 2.09; p = 0.028), and three times more likely to be admitted for respiratory reasons (aOR: 3.04; p = 0.001) than those in the employer-based group. Additionally, those in the Medicaid group were more likely to have nighttime respiratory symptoms (aOR: 2.62; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with BPD who received Medicaid coverage were more likely to utilize acute care and have nighttime respiratory symptoms during the first 3 years of life. More comprehensive studies are needed to determine whether the use of Medicaid represents a barrier to accessing care, lower socioeconomic status, and/or a proxy for detrimental environmental exposures.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a determinant of respiratory outcomes in adult life

Respiratory disease is unfortunately common in preterm infants with the archetype being bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD affects approximately 50,000 preterm infants in the U.S. annually with substantial morbidity and mortality related to its pathology (alveolar, airway, and pulmonary vasculature maldevelopment). Predicting the likelihood and severity of chronic respiratory disease in these children as they age is difficult and compounded by the lack of consistent phenotyping. Barriers to understanding the actual scope of this problem include few longitudinal studies, information limited by small retrospective studies and the ever-changing landscape of therapies in the NICU that affect long-term respiratory outcomes. Thus, the true burden of adult respiratory disease caused by premature birth is currently unknown. Nevertheless, limited data suggest that a substantial percentage of children with a history of BPD have long-term respiratory symptoms and persistent airflow obstruction associated with altered lung function trajectories into adult life. Small airway disease with variable bronchodilator responsiveness, is the most common manifestation of lung dysfunction in adults with a history of BPD. The etiology of this is unclear however, developmental dysanapsis may underlie the airflow obstruction in some adults with a history of BPD. This type of flow limitation resembles that of aging adults with chronic obstructive lung disease with no history of smoking. It is also unclear whether lung function abnormalities in people with a history of BPD are static or if these individuals with BPD have a more accelerated decline in lung function as they age compared to controls. While some of the more significant mediators of lung function, such as tobacco smoke and respiratory infections have been identified, more work is necessary to identify the best means of preserving lung function for individuals born prematurely throughout their lifespan.

Influences of environmental exposures on preterm lung disease

Introduction: Environmental factors play a critical role in the progression or resolution of chronic respiratory diseases. However, studies are limited on the impact of environmental risk factors on individuals born prematurely with lung disease after they leave the neonatal intensive care unit and are discharged into the home environment.Areas covered: In this review, we cover current knowledge of environmental exposures that impact outcomes of preterm respiratory disease, including air pollution, infections, and disparities. The limited data do suggest that certain exposures should be avoided and there are potential preventative strategies for other exposures. There is a need for additional research outside the neonatal intensive care unit that focuses on individual and community-level factors that affect long-term outcomes.Expert opinion: Preterm respiratory disease can impose a significant burden on infants, children, and young adults born prematurely, but may improve for many individuals over time. In this review, we outline the exposures that may potentially hasten, delay, or prevent resolution of lung injury in preterm children.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Roles of the Speech-Language Pathologist and Behavioral Psychologist

Purpose Pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) present as a complex clinical challenge because of the heterogeneous underlying etiologies and their impact on health, safety, growth, and psychosocial development. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt interventions to lessen the burdens associated with PFDs. The role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) as a member of the multidisciplinary team will be highlighted. Method This clinical focus article reviews the definition of PFDs and pertinent literature on factors that contribute to the development of PFDs, the accurate diagnosis, and current interventions for infants and children. As part of the multidisciplinary team, the SLP has an integral role in determining whether a child cannot or will not eat and working with the team to identify and carryout appropriate interventions. Collaboration between SLPs and psychologists/behavioral specialists in conjunction with the parents/caregivers as part of the multidisciplinary team is essential to the advancement of therapeutic goals. Conclusions Due to their complex nature, the successful management of PFDs is only possible with the care and expertise of a multidisciplinary team, which includes parents/caregivers. SLPs are important members of these multidisciplinary teams and provide valuable input for the accurate identification and effective remediation of PFDs.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: what are its links to COPD?

Emerging evidence suggests that adverse early life events can affect long-term health trajectories throughout life. Preterm birth, in particular, is a significant early life event that affects approximately 10% of live births. Worldwide, prematurity is the number one cause of death in children less than 5 years of age and has been shown to disrupt normal lung development with lasting effects into adult life. Along with impaired lung development, interventions used to support gas exchange and other sequelae of prematurity can lead to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD is a chronic respiratory disease of infancy characterized by alveolar simplification, small airways disease, and pulmonary vascular changes. Although many survivors of BPD improve with age, survivors of BPD often have chronic lung disease characterized by airflow obstruction and intermittent pulmonary exacerbations. Long-term lung function trajectories as measured by FEV1 can be lower in children and adults with a history BPD. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology and manifestations of BPD and its long-term consequences throughout childhood and into adulthood. Available evidence suggests that disrupted lung development, genetic susceptibility and subsequent environment and infectious events that occur in prenatal and postnatal life likely increase the predisposition of children with BPD to develop early onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Impact of road proximity on infants and children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

INTRODUCTION

Infants born prematurely are at high risk for morbidities, including lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia [BPD]). Little is known regarding environmental factors that can impact outcomes in BPD. We sought to assess the role of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on respiratory outcomes in BPD.

METHODS

A total of 784 subjects were included from the Johns Hopkins BPD clinic. Caregivers completed questionnaires on environmental exposures and respiratory outcomes (acute care use and chronic symptoms). Distance to the nearest major roadway was derived from subjects' geocoded residential addresses.

RESULTS

Approximately half of the subjects (53.8%) lived within 500 m of a major roadway. Subjects who lived within 500 m of a major roadway were more likely to be non-white (P = .006), have a lower estimated household income (P < .001) and live in more densely populated zip codes (P < .001) than those who lived further than 500 m away. For every 1 km increase in distance between residence and roadway, the likelihood of activity limitations decreased by 35% (P = .005). No differences in acute care use were seen with proximity to major roadways.

CONCLUSIONS

Proximity to a major roadway was associated with chronic respiratory symptoms, such as activity limitations (eg, dyspnea), and tended to be associated with nighttime symptoms as well. Self-reported minorities and families with lower estimated household incomes may be more likely to be exposed to TRAP. Further research is necessary to define the effects of TRAP versus other sources of indoor and outdoor air pollution as well as to determine the best ways of combatting pollution-related respiratory morbidities.

Risk Factors for Chronic Cough in Young Children: A Cohort Study

Background and Objective: Data on the predictors of chronic cough development in young children are scarce. Our primary objective was to examine the factors associated with young children developing a chronic cough, with a focus on childcare attendance. Methods: A secondary analysis of data collected in a prospective cohort study of children presenting to three emergency departments and three primary healthcare centers in southeast Queensland, Australia. Eligible children where those aged <6-years presenting with cough and without known underlying chronic lung disease other than asthma. Children were followed for 4 weeks to ascertain cough duration. The primary outcome was persistent cough at day-28. Logistic regression models were undertaken to identify independent predictors of chronic cough including sensitivity analyses that accounted for children with unknown cough status at day-28. Results: In 362 children, 95 (26.2%) were classified as having chronic cough. In models that included only children for whom cough status was known at day-28, symptom duration at enrolment, age <12 months [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1, 18.7], gestational age (aOR 3.2, 95%CI 1.4, 7.9), underlying medical conditions (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3, 5.5), a history of wheeze (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4, 4.8) and childcare attendance (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2, 4.4) were independent predictors of chronic cough. Amongst childcare attendees only, 64 (29.8%) had chronic cough at day-28. The strongest predictor of chronic cough amongst childcare attendees was continued attendance at childcare during their illness (aOR = 12.9, 95% CI 3.9, 43.3). Conclusion: Gestational age, underlying medical conditions, prior wheeze and childcare attendance are risk factors for chronic cough in young children. Parents/careers need to be aware of the risks associated with their child continuing to attend childcare whilst unwell and childcare centers should reinforce prevention measures in their facilities.

Respiratory Phenotypes for Preterm Infants, Children, and Adults: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and More

Ongoing advancements in neonatal care since the late 1980s have led to increased numbers of premature infants surviving well beyond the neonatal period. As a result of increased survival, many individuals born preterm manifest chronic respiratory symptoms throughout infancy, childhood, and adult life. The archetypical respiratory disease of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is the second most common chronic pediatric respiratory disease after asthma. However, there are several commonly held misconceptions. These misconceptions include that bronchopulmonary dysplasia is rare, that bronchopulmonary dysplasia resolves within the first few years of life, and that bronchopulmonary dysplasia does not impact respiratory health in adult life. This focused review describes a spectrum of respiratory conditions that individuals born prematurely may experience throughout their lifespan. Specifically, this review provides quantitative estimates of the number of individuals with alveolar, airway, and vascular phenotypes associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, as well as non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia respiratory phenotypes such as airway malacia, obstructive sleep apnea, and control of breathing issues. Furthermore, this review illustrates what is known about the potential for progression and/or lack of resolution of these respiratory phenotypes in childhood and adult life. Recognizing the spectrum of respiratory phenotypes associated with individuals born preterm and providing comprehensive and personalized care to these individuals may help to modulate adverse respiratory outcomes in later life.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Within and Beyond the Neonatal Unit

BACKGROUND

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), also known as chronic lung disease of prematurity or chronic neonatal lung disease, is a major cause of respiratory illness in premature babies. Newborn babies survive at gestational ages of 23 to 26 weeks, earlier than when BPD was first described. New mechanisms of lung injury have therefore emerged and the clinical and pathological characteristics of pulmonary involvement have changed.

PURPOSE

Improved neonatal intensive care unit modalities have increased survival rates; the overall prevalence of the condition, however, has not changed. Management of evolving BPD aims at minimizing lung injury. Management of established, especially severe BPD, still poses significant clinical challenge as these babies need long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) for variable length of time. We aim to give an overview of management of established BPD with particular focus on weaning home oxygen therapy at our local center in the United Kingdom.

SEARCH AND RESULTS

On the basis of most recent evidence, we concluded that an integrated pathway for managing babies on LTOT is very important after discharge from neonatal unit.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A structured weaning pathway for premature babies on home oxygen improves outcome.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

The management of severe BPD and related complications, particularly during the first 2 years of life, remains a continuing challenge for parents and healthcare providers. The most beneficial respiratory support strategy to minimize lung injury and/or promote lung healing remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Respiratory syncytial virus and seasonal influenza cause similar illnesses in children with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a cause of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in sickle cell disease (SCD), but its clinical course and acute complications have not been well characterized. We compared RSV to seasonal influenza infections in children with SCD.

PROCEDURE

We defined cases as laboratory-confirmed RSV or seasonal influenza infection in inpatients and outpatients <18 years of age with SCD from 1 September 1993 to 30 June 2011. We used Fisher's exact test to compare proportions, Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare continuous variables, and logistic regression to evaluate associations.

RESULTS

We identified 64 children with RSV and 91 with seasonal influenza. Clinical symptoms, including fever, cough, and rhinorrhea were similar for RSV and influenza, as were complications, including ACS and treatments for SCD. In a multivariable logistic regression model, older age (OR 1.2 per year, 95% CI [1.02-1.5], P = 0.04), increased white blood cell count at presentation (OR 1.1 per 1,000/μl increase, 95% CI [1.03-1.3], P = 0.008), and a history of asthma (OR 7, 95% [CI 1.3-37], P = 0.03) were independently associated with increased risk of ACS in children with RSV. The hospitalization rate for children with SCD and RSV (40 per 1,000 <5 years and 63 per 1,000 <2 years) greatly exceeds the general population (3 in 1,000 <5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that RSV infection is often associated with ACS and similar in severity to influenza infection in febrile children with SCD.

Human rhinovirus and disease severity in children

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively human rhinovirus (HRV) infections in children up to 5 years old and factors involved in disease severity.

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal aspirates from 434 children presenting a broad range of respiratory infection symptoms and severity degrees were tested for presence of HRV and 8 other respiratory viruses. Presence of host risk factors was also assessed.

RESULTS

HRV was detected in 181 (41.7%) samples, in 107 of them as the only agent and in 74 as coinfections, mostly with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 43.2%). Moderate to severe symptoms were observed in 28.9% (31/107) single infections and in 51.3% (38/74) coinfections (P = .004). Multivariate analyses showed association of coinfections with lower respiratory tract symptoms and some parameters of disease severity, such as hospitalization. In coinfections, RSV was the most important virus associated with severe disease. Prematurity, cardiomyopathies, and noninfectious respiratory diseases were comorbidities that also were associated with disease severity (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that HRV was a common pathogen of respiratory disease in children and was also involved in severe cases, causing symptoms of the lower respiratory tract. Severe disease in HRV infections were caused mainly by presence of RSV in coinfections, prematurity, congenital heart disease, and noninfectious respiratory disease.

Secondhand smoke exposure in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

OBJECTIVES

Preterm infants and children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) often experience significant respiratory morbidities during the first two years of life. Second hand smoke (SHS) has been demonstrated to lead to respiratory morbidities in the general population. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence/impact of SHS on preterm infants and children with BPD.

METHODS

Subjects (n = 352) were recruited from the Johns Hopkins BPD outpatient clinic between January 2008 and August 2012. Second hand smoke exposure and respiratory morbidities were assessed through questionnaires and chart review.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight percent of preterm infants with BPD were exposed to SHS in the home setting, despite having significant lung disease. SHS was associated with multiple measures of socio-economic status, including lower household income (P < 0.001), lower caregiver education level (P = 0.013), and having public versus private insurance (P = 0.002). We found no difference in acute care use or chronic symptoms with SHS exposure. We observed trends that preterm infants who were exposed to SHS were more likely to be prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (P = 0.054) and were weaned off of supplemental oxygen over 2 months later (P = 0.13) than infants not exposed to SHS.

CONCLUSION

SHS exposure in preterm infants with BPD is common, even in those receiving supplemental oxygen and respiratory medications. Although there were no associations between respiratory outcomes and self-reported SHS exposure, trends toward increased use of inhaled steroids and a longer duration of supplemental oxygen use were noted. Further work is needed to determine more accurate means of assessing SHS risk in this vulnerable population.

Infectious disease burden related to child day care in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Studying day-care-associated infectious disease dynamics aids in formulating evidence-based guidelines for disease control, thereby supporting day-care centers in their continuous efforts to provide their child population with a safe and hygienic environment. The objective of this study was to estimate the (excess) infectious disease burden related to child day-care attendance in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A Dutch surveillance network of child day-care centers (DCCs) prospectively reported on infectious disease episodes and related use of health care among their child population on a daily basis from March 2010 to March 2012.

RESULTS

Gastroenteritis (387 per 1000 child-years) and influenza-like illness (247 per 1000 child-years) were the most frequently reported infectious diseases. DCCs reported these infectious diseases to occur twice as often among children aged 0-2 years compared with children aged 2-4 years. Antibiotic treatment was required in 6%, a general practitioner visit in 29% and hospitalization in 2% of infectious disease episodes. DCC incidences of gastroenteritis and influenza-like illness requiring children to visit a general practitioner were approximately twice as high as general population estimates for this age group. Part of the DCCs indicated to not always wash the hands of children before eating (34%) or after a toilet visit (15%) or to not always clean the toilet and kitchen areas (17%) on a daily basis.

CONCLUSION

The infectious disease risk associated with child day-care attendance is substantial, particularly among the very young attendees, in excess of general population estimates for this age group and potentially partly preventable.

The Transition from Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia to Childhood Chronic Lung Disease

The impact of a preterm birth on lung function in later life is not always predictable and the variability of lung phenotype in these children can be striking even among children of the same gestational age. Although many children with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) improve with age, others continue to manifest significant pulmonary abnormalities. Several different lung phenotypes have been described in older children with a history of BPD. These descriptions have been based in part on chronic respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function abnormalities, and response to respiratory illnesses. These lung phenotypes include large and/or small airway dysfunction, impaired alveolar growth characterized by decreased pulmonary reserve, and pulmonary hypertension found primarily in children with severe chronic lung disease. Children with a history of BPD can manifest 1 or more of these lung phenotypes with varying degrees of severity. Currently, treatment of respiratory symptoms is primarily supportive and symptom based. Although many children improve with age, others continue to have chronic respiratory symptoms into adult life. The development of standardized guidelines for the care of children after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit may help direct appropriate therapy, limit lung injury, and maximize lung growth potential in this vulnerable group of children.

Environmental Modifiers of Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity During Infancy

Chronic lung disease is a common complication of prematurity with substantial mortality and morbidity. Although the variation seen in bronchopulmonary dysplasia has a strong genetic component, the limited environmental variation in neonatal intensive care units may lead to underestimates of the contribution of environmental factors to lung disease variation. Once discharged from the hospital, preterm infants are exposed to a variety of environmental factors that likely worsen their disease. Recognition of these factors may lead to improved outcomes in this vulnerable population through more effective guidelines and counseling. This review examines the role of selected outpatient environmental factors on respiratory outcomes during infancy in preterm infants with lung disease.