Correlation between transient tachypnea of the newborn and wheezing attack

Background: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is the most common cause of respiratory distress in newborns. Although associated with some morbidity, it is generally believed that once TTN resolves, there is no further increased risk for respiratory disease. However, in limited studies frequency of wheezing attacks is found to be increased in patients who had TTN diagnosis during the newborn period, in comparison to patients who had no respiratory problem. Thus, the question arises as to whether TTN is an innocent disease.

Methods: This study was done retrospectively. We recorded the demographic characteristics of 103 infants born between 17 October 2003 and 17 October 2004 at Zeynep Kamil Hospital and hospitalized because of TTN in the neonatal intensive care unit. In the second phase, we telephoned the parents of the 103 infants and asked about wheezing attacks. A total of 103 other infants, born during the same period, with no health problems during the newborn period, were included in the study as the control group and the same procedures were applied to them.

Results: The rate of wheezing attack among patients with TTN diagnosis was found to be significantly higher than that in patients who had no TTN diagnosis (P < 0.01). TTN was found to be an independent risk factor for wheezing attack (OR, 2.378; 95% CI, 1.20-4.70).

Conclusion: In conclusion, we established that TTN is an independent risk factor for wheezing. In addition we also hypothesized that genetic and environmental interactions synergistically predisposed these children for future wheezing.