Perinatal Inflammatory Biomarkers and Respiratory Disease in Preterm Infants

Joseph M. Collaco, Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow, Megan Griffiths, Raul Chavez-Valdez, Charlamaine Parkinson, Jie Zhu, Frances J. Northington, Ernest M. Graham, Allen D. Everett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To measure plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and several cytokines (Interleukin [IL]-6 IL-8, IL-10) during the first week of life to examine the relationship between protein expression and likelihood of developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Study design: Levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and VEGF were measured from plasma obtained from preterm patients during the first week of life. Newborns were recruited from a single center between April 2009 and April 2019. Criteria for the study included being inborn, birth weight of less than 1500 grams, and a gestational age of less than 32 weeks at birth. Results: The development of RDS in preterm newborns was associated with lower levels of VEGF during the first week of life. Higher plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 plasma were associated with an increased likelihood and increased severity of BPD at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. In contrast, plasma levels of VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 obtained during the first week of life were not associated with respiratory symptoms and acute care use in young children with BPD in the outpatient setting. Conclusions: During the first week of life, lower plasma levels of VEGF was associated with the diagnosis of RDS in preterm infants. Preterm infants with higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 during the first week of life were also more likely to be diagnosed with BPD. These biomarkers may help to predict respiratory morbidities in preterm newborns during their initial hospitalization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)34-39.e3
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume246
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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