Demographic and clinical characteristics of newborn pneumothorax patients and their effects on respiratory function tests during childhood

This retrospective cohort study of 229 neonates with pneumothorax requiring tube thoracostomy found 31% mortality and significantly reduced respiratory function (FEV1/FVC ratio) at school age compared to controls. The findings suggest neonatal pneumothorax may cause persistent obstructive changes, warranting long-term pulmonary surveillance in survivors.