Late Breaking Abstract - The effects of infra-uterine gro restriction (IUGR) on lung function in school age children born very preterm

Introduction: Very preterm children who were born small for gestational age (SGA) have more impaired lung function at school-age. However, being SGA does not imply IUGR and vice versa. Aims: To assess the impact of IUGR on lung function in children born at <32 weeks gestational age (GE). Methods: N2MBW (Exhalyzer D, Ecomedics), spirometry and TLco (Masterscreen, Vyaire) were performed in children aged 8-14 years who were born at <32 weeks GE, between 2004 and 2010, with vs without a diagnosis of IUGR (ratio 1:2; matched for ±1 year of age; ±1 week of GE) based on foetal biometry and doppler flowmetry criteria (Gordijn SJ, Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016, Sep;48:333-9). Term born controls were also enrolled. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was defined as the need for FiO2 >21% at 28 days of life. Results: The table shows characteristics and results of children who performed satisfactorily all the tests. Within the IUGR group, children with BPD had much lower spirometry values compared to those without BPD (zFEV1 -0.87 vs 0.07; p=0.003; zFVC -0.78 vs -0.01; p=0.03). Conclusions: The impact of IUGR on lung function seems mediated by BPD, whereas IUGR per se was not a determinant of respiratory impairment in very preterm children at school-age.