B4486 - Childhood respiratory disease and lung function trajectories - 18/12/2023

B number: 
B4486
Principal applicant name: 
James Dodd | University of Bristol; Academic Respiratory Unit, Southmead Hospital;
Co-applicants: 
Dr Rachel Scott, Dr Raquel Granell, Dr George Nava
Title of project: 
Childhood respiratory disease and lung function trajectories
Proposal summary: 

G1 participants of ALSPAC have had their lung function measured at the ages of 8, 15 and 24 years. This data has been used to plot trajectories of their lung function, from which four distinct patterns have been identified: persistently high, normal, below average, and persistently low. It is known that below normal lung function trajectories are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. It is therefore important that we identify and target any modifiable risk factors. We propose using linked GP and hospital records to compare the prevalence of childhood respiratory disease in each trajectory group. By looking at hospital admissions, inhaler use and the prescription of antibiotics and steroids we can also assess the severity of respiratory disease, particularly in asthma and chest infections. Identifying conditions that increase the risk of below normal lung function gives us the opportunity to target them in childhood by optimising their clinical management.

Impact of research: 
This research will provide new insight into the clinical history of individuals in different lung function trajectory groups. To our knowledge, this will be the first study, looking at predictors of lung function trajectories, to use GP and hospital records. Childhood asthma and chest infections within the first four years of life have been associated with below normal lung function trajectories. However, previous studies have been limited by their reliance on survey data, which can be less reliable and less detailed compared to GP and hospital records. GP and hospital records also allow for severity of respiratory disease to be assessed by analysing admission rates as well as prescriptions of oral steroids, antibiotics, and inhaled corticosteroids. Our research will give a clearer picture of the prevalence and severity of respiratory disease during the development of lung function trajectories. This is crucial to understanding the pathophysiology of these trajectories and finding therapeutic targets to prevent chronic respiratory disease in this population.
Date proposal received: 
Monday, 4 December, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Wednesday, 6 December, 2023
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Respiratory - asthma, Statistical methods, Lung function trajectories