Perinatal factors in neonatal and pediatric lung diseases

Rodney D. Britt, Arij Faksh, Elizabeth Vogel, Richard J. Martin, Christina M. Pabelick, Y. S. Prakash

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Wheezing and asthma are significant clinical problems for infants and young children, particularly following premature birth. Recurrent wheezing in infants can progress to persistent asthma. As in adults, altered airway structure (remodeling) and function (increased bronchoconstriction) are also important in neonatal and pediatric airway diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that airway disease in children is influenced by perinatal factors including perturbations in normal fetal lung development, postnatal interventions in the intensive care unit (ICU) and environmental and other insults in the neonatal period. Here, in addition to genetics, maternal health, environmental processes, innate immunity and impaired lung development/function can all influence pathogenesis of airway disease in children. We summarize current understanding of how prenatal and postnatal factors can contribute to development of airway diseases in neonates and children. Understanding these mechanisms will help identify and develop novel therapies for childhood airway diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)515-531
Number of pages17
JournalExpert Review of Respiratory Medicine
Volume7
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Keywords

  • asthma
  • bronchoconstriction
  • child
  • infant
  • perinatal
  • remodeling
  • wheezing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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