Bj. Joyce et al., Compromised respiratory function in postnatal lambs after placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction, PEDIAT RES, 50(5), 2001, pp. 641-649
Epidemiologic studies have shown persistent effects of low birth weight on
respiratory function and lung health, but underlying mechanisms are not und
erstood. Our aim was to determine the effects of intrauterine growth restri
ction (IUGR), a major cause of low birth weight, on postnatal respiratory f
unction. IUGR was induced by umbilico-placental embolization during late ge
station in chronically catheterized sheep. Umbilico-placental embolization
was performed between 120 d of gestation and term (similar to 146 d) during
which fetuses were hypoxemic and hypoglycemic relative to controls. Umbili
co-placental embolization led to a 48% reduction in birth weight compared w
ith controls, and throughout the postnatal study period IUGR lambs (n = 8)
remained lighter than controls (n = 8). Respiratory function was repeatedly
studied in lambs for 8 wk after birth; during this period, IUGR lambs were
mildly hypoxemic and tended to be hypercapnic compared with controls. In I
UGR lambs, relative to controls, O-2 consumption (mL/min/kg) and minute ven
tilation (mL/kg) were increased and pulmonary diffusing capacity (adjusted
for functional residual capacity) was decreased. Functional residual capaci
ty, measured by helium dilution, and total lung capacity (measured at 30 cm
H2O) Were smaller in IUGR lambs than in controls. When adjusted for functi
onal residual capacity, static lung compliance was reduced and chest wall c
ompliance was increased in IUGR lambs. At 8 wk, pulmonary DNA and protein c
oncentrations were decreased in IUGR lambs relative to controls. We conclud
e that restriction of fetal growth by placental insufficiency induces alter
ations in the lungs and chest wall that result in persistent impairments in
respiratory function during early postnatal life.