Investigation of the frequency of wheezing and airway resistance using the interrupter technique in children born premature and over 3 years old

Aims: The term wheezy child is a complex condition that includes different phenotypes, differences in duration and course, and a group of diseases with distinct pathophysiology. Prematurity is a risk factor for early transient wheezing. However, its restrictive effect on respiratory function tests may also predispose to persistent wheezing. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of wheezing phenotypes and their effect on airway resistance in children born prematurely and over the age of 3. Methods: Prematurely born children over the age of 3 who were followed up in our hospital were included in our study. The effect of neonatal risk factors, especially prematurity, on persistent wheezing and increased airway resistance has been investigated. The presence of persistent wheezing and asthma in patients was investigated with the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergic Diseases in Childhood) questionnaire. To evaluate respiratory functions, airway resistance was measured with the interrupter technique. Results: There was no significant correlation between rint values indicating airway resistance and week of gestation, birth weight, gender, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, presence of BPD, and smoking exposure at home (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although there are studies in the literature showing a relationship between recurrent preschool wheezing and prematurity. Airway resistance was successfully measured and interpreted with Rint in preschool children who could not comply with the respiratory function test. Although prematurity is expected to increase airway resistance, it is interesting that we did not detect this effect in our patients, which may be due to the limited number of extremely premature patients.