The AIRWAY-Preterm cohort is one of the most robust, well-studied cohorts in the world! This cohort comprises more than 600 individuals with samples and data across multiple time points. Recruitment of the AIRWAY-Preterm cohort began in 2007 with the WALHIP study, which includes 200 individuals born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) spanning birth years 1997 to 2003.
Comprehensive, repeated follow up has occurred at ages 6, 11, 16, 19 and 22 years, including detailed respiratory questionnaires, lung function assessments, exercise testing, and lung imaging. Biological samples including urine, blood, nasal epithelial cells, exhaled breath condensate and saliva have also been collected. This group will commence a further follow up (26 years) in 2026 via our new MRFF funded PINPOINT project. An expansion of the cohort occurred through the NHMRC funded Preterm Infant Function and Clinical Outcomes (PIFCO) observational study and CI Simpson's NHMRC Fellowship, which recruited infants from the NICU, born <32 weeks gestation between July 2013 and January 2017.
Since then, this sub-section of the AIRWAY-Preterm cohort has been recalled multiple times for repeated monitoring and biospecimen collection across several projects. Between 2018 and 2022, they participated in the Preterm Paediatric Inhaled Corticosteroid Intervention (PICSI) clinical trial, which included lung function assessments and the collection of biological samples such as blood, urine, saliva and nasal brushings. This was followed by the Kids INfections and Day care’s Effects on the lungs in those born Early (KINDEE) study from 2022 to 2024, during which further lung function measurements and biospecimens were obtained.
Most recently, from 2025 the entire AIRWAY-Preterm cohort is being recalled for ongoing data and sample collection under the MRFF funded Finding early markers of respiratory disease for survivors of preterm birth which identify treatable traits (FINGERPRINT) study.