Lung volumes, gas transfer and oscillometry after preterm birth: systematic review and meta-analysis

Small airway and lung parenchymal abnormalities frequently occur following preterm birth but are commonly missed by spirometry. Static lung volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D LCO) and oscillometry provide a more precise characterisation of these conditions. We hypothesised that differences in these measures exist between individuals born preterm and at term and we aimed to systematically review the literature to identify and quantify these differences in lung function.

Citation:
Gibbons JTD, Beaven ML, Course CW, …….. Wilson AC, Kotecha S, Simpson SJ. Lung volumes, gas transfer and oscillometry after preterm birth: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev. 2025;34(176).

Keywords:
Systematic review; meta-analysis; infant, newborn; premature; lung volume measurements; physiopathology;
oscillometry; pulmonary diffusing capacity; pulmonary gas exchange

Abstract:
Small airway and lung parenchymal abnormalities frequently occur following preterm birth but are commonly missed by spirometry. Static lung volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D LCO) and oscillometry provide a more precise characterisation of these conditions. We hypothesised that differences in these measures exist between individuals born preterm and at term and we aimed to systematically review the literature to identify and quantify these differences in lung function.