Baylor

Infants born at less than 30 weeks gestation are at high risk for the development of respiratory distress syndrome, which is treated with supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation. Unfortunately, some of these infants go on to develop a form of chronic lung disease called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which is accompanied by longer hospital stays and higher infant morbidity and mortality. The cause of BPD remains poorly defined. However, pulmonary inflammation and oxidant injury are generally accepted as an integral part of the underlying pathophysiology of BPD. Therefore, recent interest has been directed toward the identification of lung proteins and products of protein and lipid oxidation, which may serve as markers of intrapulmonary events in the early development of BPD. Biological markers that could provide early recognition of infants at greatest risk for developing BPD may be helpful to clinicians who may provide special attention to these infants with a view to altering the potential course of this disease process.

Researchers in our (Neonatology) Section previously reported that a lung specific protein, the Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) is diminished in the tracheal fluids during the first week of life in premature infants that proceed to develop BPD. They also found that serum levels of CCSP in mice reflect lung levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to collect the serum and cord blood samples of premature infants is to look for biological markers that could provide early recognition of infants at high risk for the development of BPD. These biological markers will include, amongst others, antiinflammatory proteins such as CCSP, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, and antioxidants such as catalase or glutathione peroxidase.

The purpose of this proposed study is to determine the relationship of the cord blood levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proteins, such as CCSP and catalase, in association with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and risk of premature infants (less than 30 weeks) developing BPD. In addition, to determine whether lipid peroxidation is associated with the development of BPD, we will measure urinary isoprostanes, malondialdehyde and other aldehydes in premature infants at risk for BPD.

Specimen/laboratory experiment

There are no risks associated with this study for any patients enrolled. All samples are obtained from body fluids that would otherwise be discarded. While all patient identifiers will be kept confidential, there exists the potential risk of loss of privacy.

There are no immediate benefits to an individual infant enrolled in the study.