A hallmark of preterm birth is a decreased lung function in future. Researchers herein investigated if percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second can be improved by using inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or in combination with long-acting β₂ agonists (LABA) when compared with placebo.

• In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 12 weeks of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or in combination with long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) was evaluated for improving spirometry and exercise capacity in school-aged preterm-born children who had percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) less than or equal to 85% compared with inhaled placebo treatment.

• The trial involved 53 preterm-born children.

• Although improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second occurred by 7.7% following ICS treatment for 12 weeks, there was significantly greater improvement after use of the combination of ICS/LABA at 14.1% compared with the placebo group.

• Fractional exhaled nitric oxide reduced and postexercise bronchodilator response improved following active treatment, but there was no improvement in exercise capacity.

• Overall findings that it is beneficial to provide combined ICS/LABA treatment for prematurity-associated lung disease in preterm-born children.