Premature Infants have no Higher Risk of Atopy and Respiratory Functions Compared to Control at 4-6 Years of Age

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory functions and atopy conditions of preterm infants treated with aminophylline or caffeine for apnea in NICU in early childhood. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. In this study, 27 patients aged 4 to 6 years hospitalized in NICU for prematurity and 26 healthy children were included. The subjects were evaluated for fx5, phadiatope, total IgE levels, skin tests, and respiratory function tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference among groups in terms of fx5, phadiatope, total IgE levels, and skin test results. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found among the groups in terms of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC, PEF, MEF75, MEF50, MEF25, and MEF25-75 values in respiratory function tests. Preterm neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) had higher FEV1 values compared to ones without BPD (p=0.02). Conclusion: Preterm infants treated with aminophylline or caffeine did not have a higher risk of atopy and had similar respiratory function tests compared to healthy infants at 4-6 years old. However, FEV1 values were higher in infants with BPD. These results suggested that respiratory functions could be affected in the long-term follow-up of premature infants with BPD.