Risk Factors for Early Wheezing in Preterm Infants: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background: The related factors that cause recurrent wheezing in children are complex, and premature delivery may be one of the reasons. Little is known about early wheezing in preterm infants. Methods: Data sourced from 1616 children born between 2007 and 2013 from 8 hospitals of Guangxi in China. All children were followed by telephone or questionnaire through the sixth year of life. Children were grouped by characters of age: Group A: gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks, Group B: 32 weeks < GA < 37 weeks, Group C: 37 weeks ≤ GA < 42 weeks. Results: The incidence and the risk factors of early wheezing in preterm infants were analyzed. The incidence of early wheezing: Group A > Group B > Group C. In Group A, the proportion of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant was higher in early wheezing group than in normal group (P = 0.005). Male (95% CI: 1.611 to 4.601) and family history of allergy (95% CI: 1.222 to 3.411) were the risk factors for early wheezing in Group B. Conclusions: Newborns with younger GA had a higher risk of early wheezing. SGA was a possible factor influencing early wheezing in preterm infants with GA≤ 32 weeks. Male and family history of allergy were the risk factors for early wheezing in preterm infants with 32 weeks < GA < 37 weeks.