Summary of Study Reveals Shocking Impact of Early-Life Factors on Lung Health:
This study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, revealed important insights into the impact of early-life factors on lung health. Led by the Universities of Essex and Bristol, the most comprehensive study of its kind analyzed data from 7,545 participants of Bristol’s Children of the 90s study and identified 33 key factors covering the lifespan from birth to age 24 years that could have an impact on lung function. The key factors negatively affecting lung health included higher BMI during pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy, low birth weight, higher fat mass at primary school, lower lean mass at primary school, and early-onset asthma. The findings could lead to predictive tools for respiratory health and reduce healthcare inequality by targeting early-life interventions for individuals at higher risk.
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Unlocking the Impact of Early-Life Factors on Lung Health
New insights into the importance of early-life factors on lung health have been unveiled in the most comprehensive study of its kind.
A new study led by the Universities of Essex and Bristol has revealed important insights into the impact of early-life factors on lung health. The findings, published in the European Respiratory Journal, could lead to the development of predictive tools for respiratory health and reduce healthcare inequality by targeting early-life interventions for individuals at higher risk. The study is the most comprehensive of its kind and highlights the importance of early-life factors in maintaining lung health.
The researchers hope the findings will pave the way to developing predictive tools for respiratory health and reduce healthcare inequality by targeting early-life interventions for people at higher risk.
The study analyzed data collected from 7,545 participants of Bristol’s Children of the 90s study (also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, ALSPAC), a world-leading longitudinal study that has followed pregnant women and their offspring since 1991.
The researchers looked at 33 key factors covering the lifespan from birth to age 24 years – when lung function is at its peak and a robust indicator of respiratory health in later life.
Key Factors Negatively Affecting Lung Health
The key factors negatively affecting lung health identified in the study were:
- Women with higher BMI (body mass index) during pregnancy
- Women smoking whilst pregnant
- Low birth weight
- Children with higher fat mass at primary school
- Children with lower lean mass at primary school
- Early-onset asthma
Dr. Mahmoud concluded: “The results clearly show that out of 33 key factors, the ones which individually most influence the lung function of young adults are: their mother’s weight during pregnancy, if their mother smoked during pregnancy, their birthweight, and their body composition at primary school.”
“With early-onset asthma being another factor affecting lung function, we think this should highlight the need to give these conditions more attention, especially when it comes to primary prevention.”
Conclusion
The study has revealed important insights into the impact of early-life factors on lung health, and could lead to the development of predictive tools for respiratory health and reduce healthcare inequality by targeting early-life interventions for individuals at higher risk. The key factors negatively affecting lung health identified in the study were: women with higher BMI during pregnancy, women smoking whilst pregnant, low birth weight, children with higher fat mass at primary school, children with lower lean mass at primary school, and early-onset asthma.
Reference: “Early-life and health behaviour influences on lung function in early-adulthood” by Osama Mahmoud, Raquel Granell, Gabriela P. Peralta, Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Deborah Jarvis, John Henderson and Jonathan Sterne, 2 March 2023, European Respiratory Journal.
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01316-2020
The study was carried out in collaboration with colleagues at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and Imperial College London.
