Neonatal characteristics as risk factors for preschool asthma

J Asthma. 1996;33(4):255-64. doi: 10.3109/02770909609055366.

Abstract

Childhood asthma usually begins early in life. Neonatal characteristics are reportedly predictive of symptom onset. This investigation utilized data from a provincial health organization to evaluate the effect of several birth characteristics on asthma incidence and hospitalization for asthma during age 0-4. Using logistic regression, the odds ratios (OR) for the following variables indicate a significant (p < 0.05) association with physician-diagnosed preschool asthma: male gender (OR = 1.72), birthweight < 1500 g (OR = 2.11), prematurity (OR = 1.34), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the presence (OR = 2.95) or absence (OR = 1.61) of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN; OR = 1.36). Male gender (OR = 1.91), birthweight < 1500 g (OR = 2.56), RDS with and without BPD (OR = 3.35 and 2.50, respectively), TTN (OR = 2.08), and severe birth asphyxia (OR = 1.94) showed an important association with hospitalization due to asthma. Neonatal characteristics are important determinants for the risk of preschool asthma, even after mutual adjustment.

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / etiology*
  • Birth Weight
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / complications
  • Risk Factors