The PELICAN (Prematurity's Effect on the Lungs In Children and Adults Network) ERS Clinical Research Collaboration: understanding the impact of preterm birth on lung health throughout life

An estimated 15 million babies (~11%) are born preterm each year (before 37 weeks of gestation), the rates of which are increasing worldwide [1]. Enhanced perinatal care, including antenatal corticosteroids, postnatal surfactant and improved respiratory management, have markedly improved survival outcomes since the 1990s, particularly for babies born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) [1]. However, long-term pulmonary sequelae are frequent in preterm survivors and ongoing clinical management is often required. Development and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung condition diagnosed during the neonatal period [2], is a key determinant of long-term adverse outcomes of prematurity.

Source: European Respiratory Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Simpson, S. J., Hallberg, J., on behalf of the PELICAN Clinical Research Collaboration Tags: Editorials Source Type: research