Association between thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and lung function in preterm infants.

Introduction: In view of the difficulties and risks of performing lung function tests in infants and the hypothesis that children with abnormal pulmonary test may exhibit thoracic musculoskeletal alterations.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of abnormal lung function and their relationship.

Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with children from 6 to 12 months of corrected age, born at a gestational age of <37 weeks and with a birthweight ≤1500 g, who were subjected to a lung function test and photogrammetry--an objective and non-invasive procedure.

Pulmonary function in former very low birth weight preterm infants in the first year of life.

Background: Pulmonary function in former preterm infants may be compromised during childhood.

Objectives: To assess pulmonary function in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants at 6-12 months of corrected age and analyze the factors associated with abnormal pulmonary function.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with preterm infants at 6-12 months of corrected age with birth weight <1500 g.

Chest expansion for assessing tidal volume in premature newborn infants on ventilators.

Objectives: To investigate whether clinical observation of chest expansion predicts tidal volume in neonates on mechanical ventilation and whether observer experience interferes with results.

Methods: An observational study that enrolled less experienced physicians in the first year of pediatric residency, moderately experienced (second year pediatric residency, first year of neonatology or pediatric intensive care specialization) or who were already experienced (second year neonatology specialization, graduate students or primary physician supervisors with minimum experience of 4 years in neonatology). These professionals observed the chest expansion of newborn infants on mechanical ventilation and estimated the tidal volume being supplied to the babies.