Using data-driven methodology, children can be classified into clinically meaningful wheeze trajectory groups that appear to be programmed by modifiable and non-modifiable factors, and are useful for predicting asthma risk. Early-life interventions can alter some wheeze trajectories (ie, Early-Persistent) in infancy and reduce wheezing prevalence in mid-childhood.

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Background: There is growing interest in the use of latent trajectory methodology to identify wheeze patterns in heterogeneous populations of children. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed childhood wheeze trajectory studies to identify childhood wheeze trajectory group-specific risk factors among children from birth through to adolescence. Methods: We included studies that used latent trajectory methodology to identify wheeze trajectories and associated risk factors. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from 2000 through September 30, 2019, for relevant studies. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA recommendations. Results: Thirteen cohort studies conducted in eleven high-income countries were included in our meta-analysis with the length of follow-up ranging from 3 to 18 years. Five distinct latent wheeze trajectory groups were identified: Never/Infrequent, Early-Transient, Early-Persistent, Intermediate-Onset, and Late-Onset. We found moderate-to-strong evidence that family history of asthma predicted persistent childhood wheezing among male children but with lower risk among first-born children. There was weak-to-moderate evidence for childhood atopy, male sex, short duration of breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, daycare attendance, and having siblings as risk factors for Early-Transient wheezing; except for breastfeeding, these factors were also associated with intermediate and Late-Onset wheezing with varying effect sizes in high-risk vs general population cohorts. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the consistency of wheeze trajectory groups defined by onset, peak prevalence, and duration; we also suggest a common nomenclature for future trajectory studies. With the exception of the relationship between a family history of asthma and persistent childhood wheezing, commonly suspected wheeze risk factors (childhood atopy, male sex, short duration of breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, daycare attendance, and having siblings) are not trajectory-specific and have varying effects in high-risk vs general population cohorts. Delineation of time-varying risk factor effects may be critical to the specificity of wheeze trajectory group prediction to better inform prognosis and targeted early preventive intervention among at-risk children.