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Piccolo B, Chen A, Louey S, Thornburg K, Jonker S. Physiological response to fetal intravenous lipid emulsion. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:117-134. [PMID: 38261523 PMCID: PMC10876438 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In preterm neonates unable to obtain sufficient oral nutrition, intravenous lipid emulsion is life-saving. The contribution of post-conceptional level of maturation to pathology that some neonates experience is difficult to untangle from the global pathophysiology of premature birth. In the present study, we determined fetal physiological responses to intravenous lipid emulsion. Fetal sheep were given intravenous Intralipid 20® (n = 4 females, 7 males) or Lactated Ringer's Solution (n = 7 females, 4 males) between 125 ± 1 and 133 ± 1 d of gestation (term = 147 d). Manufacturer's recommendation for premature human infants was followed: 0.5-1 g/kg/d initial rate, increased by 0.5-1 to 3 g/kg/d. Hemodynamic parameters and arterial blood chemistry were measured, and organs were studied postmortem. Red blood cell lipidomics were analyzed by LC-MS. Intravenous Intralipid did not alter hemodynamic or most blood parameters. Compared with controls, Intralipid infusion increased final day plasma protein (P=0.004; 3.5 ± 0.3 vs. 3.9 ± 0.2 g/dL), albumin (P = 0.031; 2.2 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.2 g/dL), and bilirubin (P<0.001; conjugated: 0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL; unconjugated: 0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 mg/dL). Circulating IGF-1 decreased following Intralipid infusion (P<0.001; 66 ± 24 vs. 46 ± 24 ng/mL). Compared with control Oil Red O liver stains (median score 0), Intralipid-infused fetuses scored 108 (P=0.0009). Lipidomic analysis revealed uptake and processing of infused lipids into red blood cells, increasing abundance of saturated fatty acids. The near-term fetal sheep tolerates intravenous lipid emulsion well, although lipid accumulates in the liver. Increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin may reflect increased red blood cell turnover or impaired placental clearance. Whether Intralipid is less well tolerated earlier in gestation remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Piccolo
- USDA/ARS-Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A
| | - Athena Chen
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, U.S.A
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, U.S.A
| | - Samantha Louey
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, U.S.A
| | - Kent L.R. Thornburg
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, U.S.A
| | - Sonnet S. Jonker
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, U.S.A
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2
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Jovandaric MZ, Milenkovic SJ, Dotlic J, Babovic IR, Jestrovic Z, Milosevic B, Culjic M, Babic S. Neonatal Pneumothorax Outcome in Preterm and Term Newborns. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58070965. [PMID: 35888683 PMCID: PMC9320446 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pneumothorax implies the presence of air in the pleural space between the visceral and parietal pleura. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, therapy and perinatal outcome in neonates with pneumothorax in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study based on a five-year data sample of neonates with pneumothorax was conducted in a Maternity Hospital with a tertiary NICU from 2015 to 2020. We included all neonates with pneumothorax born in our hospital and compared demographic characteristics, perinatal risk factors, anthropometric parameters, comorbidities, clinical course and method of chest drainage between term (≥37 GW) and preterm (<37 GW) neonates. Results: The study included 74 newborns with pneumothorax, of which 67.6% were male and 32.5% were female. The majority of women (59.5%) had no complications during pregnancy. Delivery was mainly performed via CS (68.9%). Delivery occurred on average in 34.62 ± 4.03 GW. Significantly more (p = 0.001) children with pneumothorax were born prematurely (n = 53; 71.6%) than at term (n = 21; 28.4%). Most of the neonates had to be treated with ATD (63.5%) and nCPAP (39.2%), but less often they were treated with surfactant (40.5%) and corticosteroids (35.1%). O2 therapy lasted an average of 8.89 ± 4.57 days. Significantly more (p = 0.001) neonates with pneumothorax had additional complications, pneumonia, sepsis, convulsions and intraventricular hemorrhage (68.9%). However, most children had a good outcome (83.8%) and were discharged from the clinic. Fatal outcomes occurred in six cases, while another six neonates had to be transferred to referral neonatal centers for further treatment and care. Conclusion: Significantly more children with pneumothorax were born prematurely than at term. With adequate therapy, even premature newborns can successfully recover from pneumothorax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miljana Z. Jovandaric
- Department of Neonatology, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Svetlana J. Milenkovic
- Department of Neonatology, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jelena Dotlic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.D.); (I.R.B.); (Z.J.); (B.M.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana R. Babovic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.D.); (I.R.B.); (Z.J.); (B.M.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Jestrovic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.D.); (I.R.B.); (Z.J.); (B.M.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Branislav Milosevic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.D.); (I.R.B.); (Z.J.); (B.M.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Miljan Culjic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.D.); (I.R.B.); (Z.J.); (B.M.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Sandra Babic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.D.); (I.R.B.); (Z.J.); (B.M.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
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3
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Sutherland MR, Malik W, Nguyen VB, Tran V, Polglase GR, Black MJ. Renal morphology and glomerular capillarisation in young adult sheep born moderately preterm. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 12:975-981. [PMID: 33300490 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420001208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (delivery <37 weeks of gestation) is associated with impaired glomerular capillary growth in neonates; if this persists, it may be a contributing factor in the increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease in people born preterm. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the long-term impact of preterm birth on renal morphology, in adult sheep. Singleton male sheep were delivered moderately preterm at 132 days (~0.9) of gestation (n = 6) or at term (147 days gestation; n = 6) and euthanised at 14.5 months of age (early adulthood). Stereological methods were used to determine mean renal corpuscle and glomerular volumes, and glomerular capillary length and surface area, in the outer, mid and inner regions of the renal cortex. Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial collagen levels were assessed histologically. By 14.5 months of age, there was no difference between the term and preterm sheep in body or kidney weight. Renal corpuscle volume was significantly larger in the preterm sheep than the term sheep, with the preterm sheep exhibiting enlarged Bowman's spaces; however, there was no difference in glomerular volume between groups, with no impact of preterm birth on capillary length or surface area per glomerulus. There was also no difference in interstitial collagen levels or glomerulosclerosis index between groups. Findings suggest that moderate preterm birth does not adversely affect glomerular structure in early adulthood. The enlarged Bowman's space in the renal corpuscles of the preterm sheep kidneys, however, is of concern and merits further research into its cause and functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Sutherland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Waleed Malik
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vivian B Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vivian Tran
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Jane Black
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Lombardo P, Nguyen VB, Flores TJ, Sutherland MR, Nitsos I, Allison BJ, Parkington H, Tare M, Harding R, De Matteo R, Schneider M, Polglase GR, Black MJ. Early impact of moderate preterm birth on the structure, function and gene expression of conduit arteries. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:1256-1267. [PMID: 32436635 DOI: 10.1113/ep088117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What is the immediate impact of moderate preterm birth on the structure and function of major conduit arteries using a pre-clinical sheep model? What is the main finding and its importance? Postnatal changes in conduit arteries, including a significant decrease in collagen within the thoracic aortic wall (predominately males), narrowed carotid arteries, reduced aortic systolic blood flow, and upregulation of the mRNA expression of cell adhesion and inflammatory markers at 2 days of age in preterm lambs compared to controls, may increase the risk of cardiovascular impairment in later life. ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to compare the structure and function of the conduit arteries of moderately preterm and term-born lambs and to determine whether vascular injury-associated genes were upregulated. Time-mated ewes were induced to deliver either preterm (132 ± 1 days of gestation; n = 11 females and n = 10 males) or at term (147 ± 1 days of gestation; n = 10 females and n = 5 males). Two days after birth, ultrasound imaging of the proximal ascending aorta, main, right and left pulmonary arteries, and right and left common carotid arteries was conducted in anaesthetized lambs. Lambs were then killed and segments of the thoracic aorta and left common carotid artery were either snap frozen for real-time PCR analyses or immersion-fixed for histological quantification of collagen, smooth muscle and elastin within the medial layer. Overall there were few differences in vascular structure between moderately preterm and term lambs. However, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of collagen within the thoracic aortic wall (predominantly in males), narrowing of the common carotid arteries and a reduction in peak aortic systolic blood flow in preterm lambs. In addition, there was increased mRNA expression of the cell adhesion marker P-selectin in the thoracic aortic wall and the pro-inflammatory marker IL-1β in the left common carotid artery in preterm lambs, suggestive of postnatal vascular injury. Early postnatal differences in the function and structure of conduit arteries and evidence of vascular injury in moderately preterm offspring may place them at greater risk of cardiovascular impairment later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lombardo
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Vivian B Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Tracey J Flores
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Megan R Sutherland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Beth J Allison
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Helena Parkington
- Department of Physiology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Department of Physiology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Richard Harding
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Robert De Matteo
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Michal Schneider
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
| | - M Jane Black
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton, Australia
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Harris C, Zivanovic S, Lunt A, Calvert S, Bisquera A, Marlow N, Peacock JL, Greenough A. Lung function and respiratory outcomes in teenage boys and girls born very prematurely. Pediatr Pulmonol 2020; 55:682-689. [PMID: 31910333 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Male sex in prematurely born infants has been associated with worse respiratory outcomes in early childhood. WORKING HYPOTHESIS Respiratory outcomes at 11 to 14 years of age in children born very prematurely and routinely exposed to antenatal corticosteroids and postnatal surfactant would differ according to sex. STUDY DESIGN Analysis of follow-up data. PATIENT-SUBJECT SELECTION Three hundred and nineteen children born before 29 weeks of gestational age from the United Kingdom Oscillation Study. METHODOLOGY Spirometry was used to assess forced expiratory flow at 75%, 50%, and 25% of expired vital capacity (FEF75 , FEF50 , and FEF25 ), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced vital capacity (FVC). Lung volumes were measured using a helium dilution technique (FRCHe ) and by plethysmography (FRCpleth ). Total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) were calculated. Mean lung function measurements were compared using linear mixed models and reported as unadjusted and adjusted for neonatal and age 11 to 14 years factors. The participants also completed health questionnaires and provided a urine sample for assessment of passive or active smoking. RESULTS Three (FEF25 , FEF25-75 , FEV1 ) lung function measures showed significant differences in favor of females after adjustment. The percentage of children with abnormal lung function (below 5th centile for normal) had adjusted differences between 10 and 30 percentage points, for example, for FEF25 15% females compared with 26% males. CONCLUSIONS Among extremely prematurely born school children airway function was significantly worse in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Harris
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanja Zivanovic
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Lunt
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandy Calvert
- Department of Child Health, St.George's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Bisquera
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Marlow
- Neonatal Medicine, University College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet L Peacock
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre based at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Greenough
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre based at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Kim SY, Shim GH, O'Reilly M, Cheung PY, Lee TF, Schmölzer GM. Asphyxiated Female and Male Newborn Piglets Have Similar Outcomes With Different Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Interventions. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:602228. [PMID: 33425814 PMCID: PMC7793777 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.602228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male newborns have a greater risk of poor cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes compared to females. The mechanisms associated with the "male disadvantage" remains unclear. We have previously shown no difference between male and female newborn piglets during hypoxia, asphyxia, resuscitation, and post-resuscitation recovery. However, it is unknown if there are differences in resuscitation outcomes between males and females during different cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Intervention and Measurements: Secondary analysis of 184 term newborn mixed breed duroc piglets (1-3 days of age, weighing 2.0 (0.2) kg) from seven different studies, which were exposed to 30-50 min of normocapnic hypoxia followed by asphyxia until asystole. This was followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. For the analysis, piglets were divided into male and female groups, as well as resuscitation technique groups (sustained inflation, 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio, or asynchronous ventilations during chest compressions). Cardiac function, carotid blood flow, and cerebral oxygenation were continuously recorded throughout the experiment. Main results: Regardless of resuscitation technique, there was no significant difference between males and females in the number achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) [95/123 (77%) vs. 48/61 (79%)], the time to achieve ROSC [112 (80-185) s vs. 110 (77-186) s], and the 4-h survival rate [81/95 (85%) vs. 40/48 (83%)]. Levels of the injury markers interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α in frontoparietal cortex tissue homogenates were similar between males and females. Conclusions: Regardless of resuscitation technique, there was no significant effect of sex on resuscitation outcome, survival, and hemodynamic recovery in asphyxiated newborn piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yeon Kim
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Gyu-Hong Shim
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Megan O'Reilly
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Po-Yin Cheung
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tze-Fun Lee
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg M Schmölzer
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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La Garde RP, Cheung PY, Yaskina M, Lee TF, O'Reilly M, Schmölzer GM. Sex Differences Between Female and Male Newborn Piglets During Asphyxia, Resuscitation, and Recovery. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:290. [PMID: 31380324 PMCID: PMC6646717 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male and female newborns have differences in their fetal development, fetal-to-neonatal transition, and postnatal morbidity. However, the cardiovascular fetal-to-neonatal adaption is similar between sexes. No study has examined sex differences in newborns during hypoxia, asphyxia, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or post-resuscitation recovery. Methods: Secondary analysis (two previous publications and two studies currently under peer-review) of 110 term newborn mixed breed piglets (1-3 days of age, weighing 2.0 ± 0.2 kg), which were exposed to 30 min normocapnic hypoxia followed by asphyxia until asystole, which was achieved by disconnecting the ventilator and clamping the endotracheal tube. This was followed by cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. For the analysis piglets were divided into female and male groups. Cardiac function, carotid blood flow, and cerebral and renal oxygenation were continuously recorded throughout the experiment. Results: A total of 35/41 (85%) female and 54/69 (78%) male piglets resuscitated achieved ROSC (p = 0.881). The median (IQR) time to achieve return of spontaneous circulation in females and males was 111 (80-228) s and 106 (80-206) s (p = 0.875), respectively. The 4-h survival rate was similar between females and males with 28/35 (80%) and 49/54 (91%) piglets surviving (p = 0.241), respectively. Conclusions: No difference between female and male newborn piglets was observed during hypoxia, asphyxia, resuscitation, and post-resuscitation recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin P La Garde
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Po-Yin Cheung
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maryna Yaskina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tze-Fun Lee
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan O'Reilly
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Georg M Schmölzer
- Neonatal Research Unit, Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Morrison JL, Berry MJ, Botting KJ, Darby JRT, Frasch MG, Gatford KL, Giussani DA, Gray CL, Harding R, Herrera EA, Kemp MW, Lock MC, McMillen IC, Moss TJ, Musk GC, Oliver MH, Regnault TRH, Roberts CT, Soo JY, Tellam RL. Improving pregnancy outcomes in humans through studies in sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R1123-R1153. [PMID: 30325659 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00391.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies that are relevant to human pregnancy rely on the selection of appropriate animal models as an important element in experimental design. Consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of any animal model of human disease is fundamental to effective and meaningful translation of preclinical research. Studies in sheep have made significant contributions to our understanding of the normal and abnormal development of the fetus. As a model of human pregnancy, studies in sheep have enabled scientists and clinicians to answer questions about the etiology and treatment of poor maternal, placental, and fetal health and to provide an evidence base for translation of interventions to the clinic. The aim of this review is to highlight the advances in perinatal human medicine that have been achieved following translation of research using the pregnant sheep and fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mary J Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Clint L Gray
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Richard Harding
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria , Australia
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Pathophysiology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Mitchell C Lock
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - I Caroline McMillen
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Moss
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria , Australia
| | - Gabrielle C Musk
- Animal Care Services, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Mark H Oliver
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, and Children's Health Research Institute , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Jia Yin Soo
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ross L Tellam
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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9
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Mrocki MM, Nguyen VB, Lombardo P, Sutherland MR, Bensley JG, Nitsos I, Allison BJ, Harding R, De Matteo R, Schneider M, Polglase GR, Black MJ. Moderate preterm birth affects right ventricular structure and function and pulmonary artery blood flow in adult sheep. J Physiol 2018; 596:5965-5975. [PMID: 29508407 DOI: 10.1113/jp275654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Preterm birth occurs when the heart muscle is immature and ill-prepared for the changes in heart and lung function at birth. MRI imaging studies show differences in the growth and function of the heart of young adults born preterm, with the effects more pronounced in the right ventricle. The findings of this study, conducted in sheep, showed that following moderate preterm birth the right ventricular wall was thinner in adulthood, with a reduction in the number and size of the heart muscle cells; in addition, there was impaired blood flow in the main artery leading from the right ventricle to the lungs. The findings indicate that being born only a few weeks early adversely affects the cellular structure of the right ventricle and blood flow to the lungs in adulthood. The reduced number of heart muscle cells has the potential to deleteriously affect right ventricular growth potential and function. ABSTRACT Preterm birth prematurely exposes the immature heart to the haemodynamic transition at birth, which has the potential to induce abnormal cardiac remodelling. Magnetic resonance imaging studies in young adults born preterm have shown abnormalities in the gross structure of the ventricles (particularly the right ventricle; RV), but the cellular basis of these alterations is unknown. The aim of this study, conducted in sheep, was to determine the effect of moderate preterm birth on RV cellular structure and function in early adulthood. Male singleton lambs were delivered moderately preterm (132 ± 1 days; n = 7) or at term (147 ± 1 days; n = 7). At 14.5 months of age, intra-arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Pulmonary artery diameter and peak systolic blood flow were determined using ultrasound imaging, and RV stroke volume and output calculated. Cardiomyocyte number, size, nuclearity and levels of cardiac fibrosis were subsequently assessed in perfusion-fixed hearts using image analysis and stereological methods. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), heart rate, levels of myocardial fibrosis and RV stroke volume and output were not different between groups. There was, however, a significant reduction in RV wall thickness in preterm sheep, and this was accompanied by a significant reduction in peak systolic blood flow in the pulmonary artery and in RV cardiomyocyte number. Cellular changes in the RV wall and reduced pulmonary artery blood flow following preterm birth have the potential to adversely affect cardiac and respiratory haemodynamics, especially when the cardiovascular system is physiologically or pathologically challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall M Mrocki
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vivian B Nguyen
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Lombardo
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan R Sutherland
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan G Bensley
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth J Allison
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Harding
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert De Matteo
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michal Schneider
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Jane Black
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Chen C, Tian T, Liu L, Zhang J, Fu H. Gender-related efficacy of pulmonary surfactant in infants with respiratory distress syndrome: A STROBE compliant study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e0425. [PMID: 29702992 PMCID: PMC5944534 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether gender influences the efficacy of exogenous pulmonary surfactant (PS) for replacement therapy in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has not been well studied yet.Retrospective cohort study design. Data on PS therapy including blood gas, oxygenation function parameters, and therapy results were collected and analyzed from 370 infants diagnosed with RDS in 20 hospitals of the Northwest China Neonatal Collaboration from January 2011 to December 2011.Female infants were more sensitive to PS treatment than males. In multivariate analysis, when adjusted for other variables, an increased initial dose of surfactant significantly reduced mortality risk (OR = 0.98, 95%CI [0.96, 0.99], P = .002). An interaction between gender and initial dose of PS was observed. In male infants, an increased initial dose of surfactant was correlated with reduced mortality risk (OR = 0.97, 95%CI [0.96, 0.99], P = 0.005), while in female infants, we failed to found a relationship between the initial dose of surfactant and the risk of mortality (OR = 0.99, 95%CI [0.96, 1.02], P = .543). Moreover, the effect of surfactant replacement therapy was better for female infants than male infants at initial PS doses <130 mg/kg.Gender influences the efficacy of PS treatment. An increased initial dose of PS should be used in RDS therapy for male infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
- Department of Neonatology, Xi’an Children's Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
| | - Huiling Fu
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
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11
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Sozo F, Ishak N, Bhatia R, Davis PG, Harding R. Surfactant phospholipid composition of gastric aspirate samples differs between male and female very preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2017; 82:839-849. [PMID: 28665932 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAmong preterm infants, males have a greater incidence of respiratory distress and death than do females born at the same gestational age, likely due to sex-related differences in lung maturation. Our aim was to determine whether surfactant phospholipid composition differs between male and female preterm infants.MethodsGastric aspirate samples from male and female infants born between 25 and 30 weeks of gestation at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, were collected within 1 h after birth. Phospholipid composition was analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsPreterm males had higher proportions of total phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine 36:2, lower proportions of total sphingomyelin (S) and S 33:1 and 35:1, and a greater phosphatidylcholine (PC)/S ratio than did females. The proportions of PC 30:0, PC 34:0, PC 34:2, PC 36:2, PC 36:3, and PC 38:2 differed between the sexes at different gestational weeks of birth; the proportion of PC 32:0 (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) in males was lower than that in females at 25 weeks of gestation but higher at 27 weeks.ConclusionPhospholipid composition in pulmonary surfactant is different between male and female preterm infants of the same gestational age, which may contribute to the increased risk for respiratory morbidities in one sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foula Sozo
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Noreen Ishak
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Risha Bhatia
- Department of Newborn Research, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Davis
- Department of Newborn Research, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Harding
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Zhao D, Zou L, Lei X, Zhang Y. Gender Differences in Infant Mortality and Neonatal Morbidity in Mixed-Gender Twins. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8736. [PMID: 28821800 PMCID: PMC5562818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to explore gender differences in infant mortality and neonatal morbidity in mixed-gender twin pairs. Data were obtained from the US National Center for Health Statistics Linked Birth-Infant Death Cohort. A total of 108,038 pairs of mixed-gender twins were included in this analysis. Among the mixed-gender twins, no significant difference in the odds of fetal mortality between male twins (1.05%) and female co-twins (1.04%). However, male twins were at increased odds of neonatal mortality (adjusted OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.37, 1.85) and overall infant mortality (adjusted OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.27, 1.61) relative to their female co-twins. Congenital abnormalities (adjusted OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.27, 1.50) were identified significantly more frequently in male than female twins. Moreover, increased odds of having low 5-minute Apgar score (<7) (adjusted OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05, 1.26), assistant ventilation >30 minutes (adjusted OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.17, 1.47), and respiratory distress syndrome (adjusted OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.26, 1.66) were identified in male twins relative to their female counterparts. The results of our study indicated that in mixed-gender twin pairs, the odds of infant mortality and neonatal morbidity were higher in male twins than their female co-twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Zhao
- Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lile Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoping Lei
- Department of Neonatology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Nguyen VB, De Matteo R, Harding R, Stefanidis A, Polglase GR, Black MJ. Experimentally Induced Preterm Birth in Sheep Following a Clinical Course of Antenatal Betamethasone: Effects on Growth and Long-Term Survival. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:1203-1213. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116681514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian B. Nguyen
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert De Matteo
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Harding
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aneta Stefanidis
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R. Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M. Jane Black
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Namba F, Ogawa R, Ito M, Watanabe T, Dennery PA, Tamura M. Sex-related differences in long-term pulmonary outcomes of neonatal hyperoxia in mice. Exp Lung Res 2016; 42:57-65. [DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2016.1141264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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15
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Respiratory adaptation and surfactant composition of unanesthetized male and female lambs differ for up to 8 h after preterm birth. Pediatr Res 2016; 79:13-21. [PMID: 26372515 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male preterm infants are more likely to experience respiratory distress syndrome than females. Our objectives were to determine if sex-related differences in physiological adaptation after preterm birth increase with time after birth and if the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces these differences. METHODS Unanesthetized lambs (9F, 8M) were delivered at 0.90 of term. Blood gases, metabolites, and cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored in spontaneously breathing lambs for 8 h. Supplemental oxygen was administered via a face mask at 4 cmH2O CPAP. At 8 h, lung compliance was determined, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for total protein and surfactant phospholipids. Surfactant protein (SP) gene expression and protein expression of SP-A and pro-SP-C were determined in lung tissue. RESULTS For 8 h after delivery, males had significantly lower arterial pH and higher Paco2, and a greater percentage of males were dependent on supplemental oxygen than females. Inspiratory effort was greater and lung compliance was lower in male lambs. Total protein concentration in BALF, SP gene expression, and SP-A protein levels were not different between sexes; pro-SP-C was 24% lower in males. CONCLUSION The use of CPAP did not eliminate the male disadvantage, which continues for up to 8 h after preterm birth.
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Risk assessment for neonatal RDS/TTN using gestational age and the amniotic lamellar body count in twin pregnancies. Clin Chim Acta 2015; 451:301-4. [PMID: 26477481 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amniotic lamellar body count (LBC) is useful for predicting respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in twin pregnancies. However, the risk of neonatal respiratory complications varies with gestational age (GA). We herein created a model to predict the risk for RDS and TTN using GA and the LBC in twin pregnancies. METHODS Six hundred thirty-two amniotic fluid samples, comprising 169 dichorionic twin (DCT) and 147 monochorionic twin (MCT) gestations, were obtained at Cesarean section. The samples were analyzed immediately without centrifugation. A logistic regression model including the LBC and GA was used to develop the prediction model for RDS/TTN. RESULTS There were 101 neonates (16.0%) with RDS/TTN. The GA and LBC were significant independent factors affecting RDS/TTN. According to the logistic regression model, we determined the probability of RDS/TTN given the values of GA and the LBC. The overall diagnostic accuracy for predicting neonatal RDS/TTN using GA and the LBC was higher than the use of the LBC alone. CONCLUSIONS GA-specific LBC cutoffs for the risk assessment of neonatal RDS/TTN have been considered to be more accurate in twin pregnancies. Our findings provide valuable, new information for the management of twin pregnancies.
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Ishak N, Sozo F, Harding R, De Matteo R. Does lung development differ in male and female fetuses? Exp Lung Res 2013; 40:30-9. [PMID: 24354441 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2013.858197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preterm male infants have a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory insufficiency than females of the same gestational age. This male disadvantage could be due to differences in lung architecture; however, few studies have compared lung architecture in male and female fetuses during late gestation. Our principal objectives were to compare the morphology of the fetal lung and the maturity of the surfactant system in preterm male and female fetuses. Lungs from male (n = 9) and female (n = 11) fetal sheep were collected at 0.9 of term (131 days of the 145-day gestation) for morphological and molecular analyses. In separate groups, tracheal liquid was obtained from male (n = 9) and female (n = 9) fetuses at 0.9 of term for determination of surfactant phospholipid composition. We found no sex-related differences in body weight, lung weight, right lung volume, lung tissue and airspace fractions, mean linear intercept, septal crest density, septal thickness, the proportion of proliferating and apoptotic cells, and the percentages of collagen or elastin. The gene expression of surfactant protein -A, -B, -C, and -D and tropoelastin was similar between sexes. There were no differences in the proportion of the major phospholipid classes in the tracheal liquid between sexes; however there was a significantly higher percentage of the phospholipid species phosphatidylinositol 38:5 in males. The greater morbidity and mortality in preterm male lambs do not appear to be related to differences in lung structure or surfactant phospholipid synthesis before birth, but may relate to physiological adaptation to air-breathing at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Ishak
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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