Lombardi E, et al. - In an area-based prospective cohort of preschool children born very preterm, researchers evaluated lung function and respiratory health. In 194 children born at 22-31 weeks of gestational age (GA) in Tuscany, Italy, they measured lung function by interrupter respiratory resistance (Rint) and forced oscillation technique (FOT) (respiratory resistance [Rrs8], reactance [Xrs8], and area under the reactance curve (AX]) at a median age of 5.2 years. In comparison with children without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), those with BPD had slightly, but not significantly, impaired lung function indices. For lung development, GA appears to be crucial. In a multivariable analysis, lower GA was linked with worse lung function indices. Preschool children born very preterm, regardless of BPD status, had lessened lung function indices, as measured by Rint and FOT, and a slightly higher burden of respiratory problems vs the general population.