Early-term birth is a risk factor for wheezing in childhood: a cross-sectional population study

Background: Early term-born (37-38 weeks’ gestation) infants have increased respiratory morbidity during the neonatal period compared to full term-born (39-42 weeks’ gestation) infants, but longer term respiratory morbidity remains unclear. Objective: We assessed if early term-born children have greater respiratory symptoms and healthcare utilization in childhood compared to full term-born children. Methods: We surveyed 1-10 years old, term-born children (N=13361). Questionnaires assessed respiratory outcomes with additional data gathered from national health databases. Results: From 2845 eligible participants, 545 were early term-born and 2300 were full term-born. Early term-born children had higher rates of admission to the neonatal unit (OR 1.7; 95%CI 1.2, 2.5) and admission to hospital during their first year of life (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2, 2.1). 48% of early term born children