Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn and the Association with Preschool Asthma.

Rationale: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is characterized by respiratory distress in neonates, resulting from delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. Although traditionally considered a self-limited condition, recent studies have indicated a potential association between TTN and an increased risk for respiratory infections during infancy.

Objectives

This study investigates the possible link between TTN and healthcare utilization for asthma during childhood.

Methods

This retrospective, case-control study used nationwide electronic records from Clalit Healthcare Services, Israel. The study included term infants born between 2011 and 2018 who were diagnosed with TTN (TTN+) and a control group without TTN (TTN-). The primary outcomes were asthma-related healthcare utilization up to age 6 years. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

The study included 645 children with TTN and 187,809 in the TTN- group. In prematching analysis, the TTN+ group had a higher incidence of cesarean delivery and male sex. Postmatching, demographic, and clinical differences were balanced. Children in the TTN+ group had significantly higher rates of emergency room visits for asthma (2.05 times higher; P value (Pv) < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-2.89), asthma diagnoses (38% increase; Pv < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.18-1.51), and prescriptions for short-acting β-agonists (28% increase; Pv = 0.002; 95% CI, 1.1-2.89) than control subjects. These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that TTN may be associated with a higher risk of developing asthma in childhood. This study may enhance our understanding of the potential long-term respiratory implications of TTN and could inform clinical follow-up strategies for affected infants.