Respiratory pathogens and morbidity in the first year following very preterm birth: A 12-month prospective cohort study

This thesis prospectively characterises respiratory morbidity and respiratory pathogens in survivors of very preterm birth, less than 32 weeks' gestation, for one year after hospital discharge using monthly respiratory questionnaire and parent-collected nasal swabs. Very preterm infants, irrespective of neonatal lung disease, experience a high burden of respiratory symptoms with 60.7% having recurrent wheeze (more than 3 episodes) during this time. Respiratory pathogens, most commonly rhinovirus, were readily detected during both symptomatic and asymptomatic assessments. Consequently, prescription of respiratory medications and healthcare utilisation were high. Further research is warranted to determine the long-term impacts of respiratory pathogens on respiratory health later in life.