Are preterm-born survivors at risk of long-term respiratory disease?

Background: To evaluate the long-term impact of preterm birth on respiratory function in female patients born preterm, we undertook spirometric examinations twice, as they reached the age of puberty, then follow-up examinations of part of the same cohort in adulthood. We sought evidence that preterm birth is correlated with poorer spirometric results into adulthood. Methods: A total of 70 girls (aged 12.2 ± 1.5 years in 1997) who had been born...