The PELICAN (Prematurity's Effect on the Lungs In Children and Adults Network) ERS Clinical Research Collaboration: understanding the impact of preterm birth on lung health throughout life

An estimated 15 million babies (∼11%) are born preterm each year (before 37 weeks of gestation), the rates of which are increasing worldwide. Enhanced perinatal care, including antenatal corticosteroids, postnatal surfactant and improved respiratory management, have markedly improved survival outcomes since the 1990s, particularly for babies born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation). However, long-term pulmonary sequelae are frequent in preterm survivors and ongoing clinical management is often required.

Citation:
Simpson SJ, Hallberg J, Collaboration PCR, Members of the PSSCa. The PELICAN (Prematurity's Effect on the Lungs In Children and Adults Network) ERS Clinical Research Collaboration: understanding the impact of preterm birth on lung health throughout life. Eur Respir J. 2021;57(4).

Keywords:
Preterm birth; respiratory health; PELICAN

Abstract:
An estimated 15 million babies (∼11%) are born preterm each year (before 37 weeks of gestation), the rates of which are increasing worldwide. Enhanced perinatal care, including antenatal corticosteroids, postnatal surfactant and improved respiratory management, have markedly improved survival outcomes since the 1990s, particularly for babies born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation). However, long-term pulmonary sequelae are frequent in preterm survivors and ongoing clinical management is often required.