Family history of asthma influences outpatient respiratory outcomes in children with BPD

Introduction: Preterm children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at increased risk for intermittent and chronic respiratory symptoms during childhood and adult life. Identifying children at higher risk for respiratory morbidities in the outpatient setting could help improve long-term outcomes. In this study, we hypothesized that a family history of asthma (FHA) is a risk factor for higher acute care usage and respiratory symptoms in preterm infants/children with BPD, following initial discharge home. Methods: Subjects were recruited from the Johns Hopkins Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia outpatient clinic between January 2008 and February 2020 (n = 827). Surveys were administered to caregivers and demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained through chart review. Results: Demographic features associated with FHA included public health insurance, lower median household income, and nonwhite race. Children with FHA had higher odds of emergency department (ED) visits, systemic steroid use, nighttime respiratory symptoms, and activity limitations. There was no association between FHA and BPD severity. Conclusion: This study found that children with BPD and FHA were more likely to have respiratory symptoms and acute care usage during the first 3 years of life and that FHA was associated with lower socioeconomic status. Although there was no association between FHA and BPD severity, FHA could predict an increased likelihood of both ED visits and need for systemic steroids in infants/children with BPD followed in the outpatient setting.