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Individuals born preterm present lower exercise capacity. Along with the cardiopulmonary responses and activity level, muscle strength is a key determinant of exercise capacity. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of preterm birth on skeletal muscle mass and function across the lifespan. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, EBM, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords and MeSH terms related to skeletal muscle, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Two independent reviewers undertook study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal using Covidence review management. Data were pooled to estimate the prematurity effect on muscle mass and function using the R software. From 4378 studies retrieved, 132 were full-text reviewed and 25 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Five studies presented a low risk of bias, and 5 had a higher risk of bias due to a lack of adjustment for confounding factors and presenting incomplete outcomes. Meta-analyses of pooled data from homogenous studies indicated a significant reduction in muscle thickness and jump test (muscle power) in individuals born preterm versus full-term with standardized mean difference and confidence interval of − 0.58 (0.27, 0.89) and − 0.45 (0.21, 0.69), respectively. Conclusion: Overall, this systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the impact of preterm birth on skeletal muscle indicates emerging evidence that individuals born preterm, display alteration in the development of their skeletal muscle mass and function. This work also highlights a clear knowledge gap in understanding the effect of preterm birth on skeletal muscle development. What is Known: • Preterm birth, which occurs at a critical time of skeletal muscle development and maturation, impairs the development of different organs and tissues leading to a higher risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases. • Preterm birth is associated with reduced exercise capacity. What is New: • Individuals born preterm display alterations in muscle mass and function compared to individuals born at term from infancy to adulthood. • There is a need to develop preventive or curative interventions to improve skeletal muscle health in preterm-born individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although relevant for precision pharmacovigilance, there are conflicting data on whether former preterm birth is associated with QTc-Bazett prolongation in later life. Methods: To explore QTc-Bazett interval differences between former preterm and/or extremely low birth weight (ELBW) cases and term-born controls in adolescence and young adulthood, we analyzed pooled individual data after a structured search on published cohorts. To test the absence of a QTc-Bazett difference, a non-inferiority approach was applied (one-sided, upper limit of the 95% confidence interval [CI] mean QTc-Bazett difference, 5 and 10 ms). We also investigated the impact of characteristics, either perinatal or at assessment, on QTc-Bazett in the full dataset (cases and controls). Data were reported as median and range. Results: The pooled dataset contained 164 former preterm and/or ELBW (cases) and 140 controls born full-term from three studies. The median QTc-Bazett intervals were 409 (335–490) and 410 (318–480) ms in cases and controls. The mean QTc-Bazett difference was 1 ms, with an upper 95% CI of 6 ms (p > 0.05 and p < 0.01 for 5 and 10 ms, respectively). In the full dataset, females had a significantly longer QTc-Bazett than males (415 vs. 401 ms; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: QTc-Bazett intervals are not significantly different between former preterm and/or ELBW cases and term-born controls, and we rejected a potential prolongation > 10 ms in cases. When prescribing QTc-prolonging drugs, pharmacovigilance practices in this subpopulation should be similar to the general public (NCT05243537). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe pulmonary important outcomes (PIO) reported by parents of children born extremely preterm. Methods: Over 1‐year, all parents of children aged 18 months–7‐years born <29 weeks' GA were asked regarding their perspectives. The proportion of parents who described PIO and the themes they invoked were examined. Results were analysed using mixed methods. Results: Among parental responses (n = 285, 98% participation rate), 44% spoke about PIO, invoking 24 themes pertaining to NICU hospitalisation and/or long‐term respiratory health. Some themes had an impact primarily on the child (e.g. exercise limitation), while the majority had an impact on the whole family (e.g. hospital readmissions). None mentioned oxygen at 36 weeks nor bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The proportion of responses invoking PIO were statistically similar between parents of children with and without BPD, born before or after 25 weeks or with birthweight < or ≥750 g. PIO were more likely to be mentioned in males and among those readmitted for respiratory problems. Conclusion: Parents describe many PIO, most related to the functional impact of lung disease on their child (and family), rather than the diagnosis of BPD itself. Most of these PIO are not primary outcomes in large neonatal trials nor collected in neonatal databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe parental perspective on health and developmental outcomes of their preterm child in relation to level of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Methods: A parental survey about their children aged 15–36 months corrected age born ˂29 weeks' gestation investigated parental concerns and positive attributes. Parental responses in relation to their child's level of NDI were examined using Kruskal‐Wallis and chi‐square for trend tests. Results: One hundred ninety‐nine parental responses were obtained for 163 children, including 44% with NDI. Vast majority of parents reported their children were developing well with good physical health. All parents, irrespective of NDI, reported their children were happy and had a positive personality. Appreciation of social interactions was higher for parents of children without versus with NDI (96% vs. 87%, p = 0.039). Parents of children with NDI were more likely to express concerns than those without NDI. Overall, development was the most common area of concern (45%), followed by the child's future (40%) and physical health (35%). Conclusion: Parents of preterm children report many positive points and concerns, some of which are not examined in neonatal follow‐up data. These parental perspectives could be used to inform parents of preterm infants, both antenatally and in the neonatal unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth may affect maternal mental health, yet most studies focus on postpartum mental disorders only. We explored the relationship between preterm delivery and the long-term risk of maternal hospitalization for mental illness after pregnancy.Methods: We performed a longitudinal cohort study of 1,381,300 women who delivered between 1989 and 2021 in Quebec, Canada, and had no prior history of mental illness. The exposure was preterm birth, including extreme (<28 weeks), very (28-31 weeks), and moderate to late (32-36 weeks). The outcome was subsequent maternal hospitalization for depression, bipolar, psychotic, stress and anxiety, personality disorders, and self-harm up to 32 years later. We used adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between preterm birth and mental illness hospitalization.Results: Compared with term, women who delivered preterm had a higher rate of mental illness hospitalization (3.81 vs. 3.01 per 1000 person-years). Preterm birth was associated with any mental illness (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.41), including depression (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.32-1.41), psychotic disorders (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.44), and stress and anxiety disorders (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.38-1.46). Delivery at any preterm gestational age was associated with the risk of mental hospitalization, but risks were greatest around 34 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth was strongly associated with mental illness hospitalization within 2 years of pregnancy, although associations persisted throughout follow-up.Conclusions: Women who deliver preterm may be at risk of mental disorders in the short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adults born preterm are at a higher risk of cardiopulmonary disease and premature death. Preterm birth is associated with abnormalities in right ventricular (RV) structure and function, but the impact of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common complication of extremely preterm birth, on these parameters remains unknown.Research Question: Are preterm birth and BPD associated with alterations in RV structure and function in early adulthood?Study Design and Methods: Echocardiographic and spirometry data were obtained from the Health of Adults Born Preterm Investigation (HAPI). RV structure and performance were evaluated by using echocardiography, and respiratory function was assessed by using spirometry.Results: The study comprised 86 young adults born preterm before 30 weeks of gestation, including 28 with moderate to severe BPD, and 85 adults of the same age born full term. Individuals were assessed at a mean age of 23 years. RV systolic function was altered in the preterm group, with lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and lower RV s' and RV outflow tract velocity time integral values, especially in those born preterm with BPD. Nine (36%) participants born preterm with BPD, six (13%) participants born preterm without BPD, and six (8%) participants born full term had a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion value < 16 mm, a marker of RV systolic dysfunction (P value for the comparison between preterm no BPD and BPD, .032). No difference was found in RV diastolic function or estimates of pulmonary artery pressure between groups. Although respiratory function was altered in those born preterm, and more so in the case of BPD, no association was observed between spirometry indices of respiratory function and RV systolic function.Interpretation: Preterm birth is associated in adulthood with alterations in RV systolic function, which are more pronounced in the case of BPD.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03261609; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion To examine the relationship between preterm birth and hospitalisation for paediatric complex chronic conditions.We conducted a cohort study of 1 269 745 children born between 2006 and 2022 in Quebec, Canada. We classified preterm birth as extreme (<28 weeks), very (28–31 weeks), and moderate (32–36 weeks). The outcome was hospitalisation for complex chronic conditions, including neurologic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, haematologic, immunologic, endocrine, and neoplastic disorders up to 16 years of age. We computed adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between preterm birth and complex chronic conditions during 9 948 734 person‐years of follow‐up.Hospitalisation rates for complex chronic conditions were higher for children born preterm than at term (6.88 vs. 2.24 per 1000 person‐years). Preterm birth was associated with all complex chronic conditions, especially respiratory (HR 4.64, 95% CI 4.01–5.37), cardiovascular (HR 3.68, 95% CI 3.47–3.90), and neurologic disorders (HR 3.48, 95% CI 3.21–3.77). Associations were present at all ages and for all degrees of prematurity, but were strongest with extreme prematurity.Preterm birth increases the risk of hospitalisation for complex chronic conditions up to age 16 years. Preterm children may benefit from enhanced care throughout childhood and adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the relationship between neonatal phototherapy and future risk of clinically significant hemangioma.Methods: We analysed a cohort of 678 879 infants born after 34 weeks gestation comprising 3 975 242 person-years of follow-up over 11 years (2006-2016). The exposure was phototherapy the first 28 days of life. The outcome was hemangioma that required in-hospital treatment during follow-up. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of phototherapy with risk of hemangioma, accounting for preterm birth, low birthweight and congenital anomalies.Results: The incidence of hemangioma was greater in neonates who received phototherapy than in untreated infants, but there was no association in adjusted models (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.89-1.58). Risk of hemangioma was elevated in infants who received phototherapy and were born late preterm (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.51-3.64), with low birthweight (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.12-3.24), or with anomalies (HR 5.09, 95% CI 3.42-7.58). Without phototherapy, these three risk factors were more weakly associated with hemangioma.Conclusion: Neonatal phototherapy in infants with predisposing risk factors may increase the chance of hemangioma, but confirmation in further studies is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Risk of developing a malignancy when born premature is unknown. We hypothesised that risk of certain cancers might be increased in youth born preterm versus term. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in the context of preterm birth, according to various cancer types. Methods: The study was designed per MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Articles were identified through November 2015. Observational studies exploring the association between childhood malignancy and birth characteristics were included. Of the 1658 records identified, 109 full text articles were evaluated for eligibility. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted on 10/26 studies retained; 95% confidence intervals were computed and adjusted following sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Results: No differences in risk of primary central nervous system tumor [OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.93–1.17, 5 studies, 580 cases] and neuroblastoma [OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.90–1.32, 5 studies, 211 cases] were observed in individuals born <37 versus ≥37 weeks’ gestation. Preterm birth was consistently associated with hepatoblastoma [ORs 3.12 (95% CI 2.32–4.20), 1.52 (95% CI 1.1–2.1), 1.82 (95% CI 1.01–3.26), and 2.65 (95% CI 1.98–3.55)], but not leukemia, astrocytoma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, lymphoma, nephroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma or thyroid cancer. Conclusions: Children born premature may be at increased risk for hepatoblastoma but there is no strong evidence of an increased risk of primary central nervous system tumours or neuroblastoma. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether prematurity modulates the risk of other childhood cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a review of evidence linking preterm birth to adult chronic ailments. It focuses on evidence from systematic reviews and observational cohort studies. It explains why young adults born preterm at greater risk of chronic diseases. The review also offers a guide for physicians providing treatment to adults who were born preterm.

Preterm birth increases risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. A body of evidence suggests left ventricle (LV) echocardiographic alterations in children and adults born preterm. We aimed to determine if neonatal characteristics were associated with alterations in LV structure and function in preterm adults. We evaluated a cohort of 86 young adults born preterm below 30 weeks of gestation, and 85 full-term controls. We determined LV dimensions and function using tissue Doppler imaging, conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Adults born preterm had smaller LV dimensions, but these differences did not remain after adjustment for body surface area (BSA), which was smaller in the preterm group. Stroke volume and cardiac output were reduced even after adjustment for BSA. We found a smaller e' wave in the preterm group, but other markers of systolic and diastolic function did not differ. Use of antenatal steroids may be associated with a further reduced cardiac output in those born preterm. Adults born preterm show alterations in markers of LV dimensions and function. Identification of these markers may represent opportunities for early prevention of cardiovascular events in this at-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]