Preterm birth alters the normal sequence of lung development with lasting respiratory consequences. It is still unclear whether observed respiratory morbidities in preterm born individuals reflect sequelae from a non-progressive lung disease that occurred early in life or result from ongoing active disease that, if left undiagnosed and untreated, could increase the risk of a COPD-like phenotype. We propose to examine micro-structural abnormalities of the lung using innovative non-invasive imaging technologies in relation to pulmonary function and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in young adults born preterm.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
50
Lung parenchymal tissue density
Pulmonary hydrogen protons (1H) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using ultra-short echo time pulse sequences will be performed to quantify signal intensity (SI) as a surrogate of parenchymal tissue density.
Time frame: Baseline
Ventilation defect
Thoracic hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to measure apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) - subgroup of 10 participants (5 preterm, 5 control)
Time frame: Baseline
Pulmonary function - airflow limitation
Spirometry (FEV1/FVC) will be performed according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines
Time frame: Baseline
Pulmonary function - lung volumes
Lung volumes (RV/TLC) by plethysmography will be performed according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines
Time frame: Baseline
Pulmonary function - diffusion lung capacity
DLCO will be performed according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines
Time frame: Baseline
Pulmonary function - ventilation homogeneity
Lung clearance index by nitrogen washout will be performed according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines
Time frame: Baseline
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