JAMA Netw Open

Perinatal antibiotic exposure in preterm infants linked to later respiratory issues

May 15, 2025

Multiple episodes of perinatal antibiotic exposure are associated with impaired lung function and increased asthma risk in preterm-born children at early school age. Early identification of high-risk neonates may enable targeted strategies to support respiratory health and optimize long-term outcomes.

Study details: This population-based, multicenter cohort study investigated the association between repeated perinatal antibiotic exposure and obstructive airway disease in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates. The study included 3,820 VLBW preterm-born children from 58 German Neonatal Network centers, born between January 2009 and March 2017, with follow-up at 5 to 7 years of age. The analysis focused on children born by cesarean delivery and categorized them into three antibiotic risk score groups based on their exposure levels.

Results: Higher levels of perinatal antibiotic exposure were associated with significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) z scores at early school age. Children in the highest exposure group also showed reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and nearly twice the risk of early childhood asthma compared with those with lower exposure.

Source:

Fortmann I, et al. (2025, May 1). JAMA Netw Open. Perinatal Antibiotic Exposure and Respiratory Outcomes in Children Born Preterm. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40354053/