1
|
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Early Brain Activity in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9091376. [PMID: 36138685 PMCID: PMC9497792 DOI: 10.3390/children9091376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Early brain activity, measured using amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG), is correlated with neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm newborns. F2-isoprostanes (IPs) are early biomarkers predictive for brain damage. We aimed to investigate the relationship between perinatal IPs concentrations and quantitative aEEG measures in preterm newborns. Thirty-nine infants (gestational age (GA) 24–27 ± 6 weeks) who underwent neuromonitoring using aEEG during the first two days after birth were enrolled. The rate of spontaneous activity transients per minute (SAT rate) and inter-SAT interval (ISI) in seconds were computed. Two postnatal time-points were examined: within 12 h (day 1) and between 24 and 48 h (day 2). IPs were measured in plasma from cord blood (cb-IPs) and between 24 and 48 h (pl-IPs). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the correlation between IPs and brain activity. Cb-IPs were not associated with SAT rate and ISI at day 1. Higher pl-IPs were followed by longer ISI (R = 0.68; p = 0.034) and decreased SAT rate (R = 0.58; p = 0.007) at day 2 after adjusting for GA, FiO2 and IVH. Higher pl-IPs levels are associated with decreased functional brain activity. Thus, pl-IPs may represent a useful biomarker of brain vulnerability in high-risk infants.
Collapse
|
2
|
Borges-Lujan M, Gonzalez-Luis GE, Roosen T, Huizing MJ, Villamor E. Sex Differences in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Incidence and Response to Pharmacological Treatment in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071143. [PMID: 35887640 PMCID: PMC9321725 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A widely accepted concept in perinatal medicine is that boys are more susceptible than girls to complications of prematurity. However, whether this ‘male disadvantage of prematurity’ also involves persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been scarcely investigated. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on studies addressing sex differences in the risk of developing PDA among preterm infants. We also investigated whether the response to pharmacological treatment of PDA differs between boys and girls. PubMed/Medline and Embase databases were searched. The random-effects male/female risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. We included 146 studies (357,781 infants). Meta-analysis could not demonstrate sex differences in risk of developing any PDA (37 studies, RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.08), hemodynamically significant PDA (81 studies, RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.02), or in the rate of response to pharmacological treatment (45 studies, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.04). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression showed that the absence of sex differences was maintained over the years and in different geographic settings. In conclusion, both the incidence of PDA in preterm infants and the response rate to pharmacological treatment of PDA are not different between preterm boys and girls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moreyba Borges-Lujan
- Department of Neonatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil (CHUIMI) de Canarias, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (M.B.-L.); (G.E.G.-L.)
| | - Gema E. Gonzalez-Luis
- Department of Neonatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil (CHUIMI) de Canarias, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (M.B.-L.); (G.E.G.-L.)
| | - Tom Roosen
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), School for Oncology Reproduction (GROW), 6202 Maastricht, The Netherlands; (T.R.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Maurice J. Huizing
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), School for Oncology Reproduction (GROW), 6202 Maastricht, The Netherlands; (T.R.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), School for Oncology Reproduction (GROW), 6202 Maastricht, The Netherlands; (T.R.); (M.J.H.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kalteren WS, Bos AF, Bergman KA, van Oeveren W, Hulscher JBF, Kooi EMW. The short-term effects of RBC transfusions on intestinal injury in preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2022; 93:1307-1313. [PMID: 35115712 PMCID: PMC8813571 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-01961-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anemic preterm infants may require red blood cell (RBC) transfusions to maintain sufficient oxygen supply to vital organs. Transfusion treatment, however, may have adverse intestinal effects. We aimed to investigate the short-term effects of RBC transfusions, hypothesizing to find signs of oxidative stress and intestinal injury, possibly related to levels of splanchnic (re-)oxygenation. METHODS We prospectively included preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks). We measured urinary biomarkers for oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) and intestinal cell injury (intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, I-FABP) shortly before and after RBC transfusion. Splanchnic oxygen saturation (rsSO2) and rsSO2 variability were assessed simultaneously. RESULTS Twenty-nine preterm infants received 58 RBC transfusions at various postnatal ages. Six of them developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after transfusion. Urinary 8-isoprostane and I-FABP increased following RBC transfusion (median 282-606 pg/ml and 4732-6968 pg/ml, p < 0.01), more pronounced in infants who developed NEC. Change in I-FABP correlated with change in 8-isoprostane (rho = 0.623, p < 0.01). Lower rsSO2 variability, but not higher mean rsSO2 was associated with higher 8-isoprostane and I-FABP levels after transfusion. CONCLUSIONS Preterm RBC transfusions are associated with concomitant signs of oxidative stress and intestinal injury, parallel with lower variability in splanchnic oxygenation. This may represent the early pathogenetic process of transfusion-associated NEC. IMPACT Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in preterm infants are associated with a near 2-fold increase in urinary biomarkers for oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) and intestinal cell injury (intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, I-FABP). Magnitude of change in I-FABP strongly correlated with the magnitude of 8-isoprostane change, suggesting a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of intestinal injury. Lower splanchnic oxygen saturation variability following RBC transfusion was associated with higher 8-isoprostane and I-FABP levels. Loss of splanchnic variability after RBC transfusion may result from increased oxidative stress and its concomitant intestinal injury, possibly representing the early pathogenetic process of transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willemien S. Kalteren
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arend F. Bos
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klasien A. Bergman
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan B. F. Hulscher
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M. W. Kooi
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bednarczuk N, Williams EE, Greenough A, Dassios T. Carboxyhaemoglobin levels and free-radical-related diseases in prematurely born infants. Early Hum Dev 2022; 164:105523. [PMID: 34920186 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels may reflect the level of early oxidative stress which plays a role in mediating free-radical-related diseases in prematurely born infants. AIM To assess the relationship of COHb levels in the first seven days of after birth to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other free-radical-related diseases. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of routinely performed COHb via blood gas samples of infants born at less than 30 weeks of gestation admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit was undertaken. SUBJECTS One hundred and four infants were included with a median (range) gestational age of 27.4 (22.4-29.9) weeks and a birthweight of 865 (395-1710) grams. OUTCOMES The maximum COHb per infant per day was recorded for the first 28 days and BPD and other free-radical-related diseases including intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) were noted. The severity of BPD, requirement for home oxygen on discharge and survival to discharge were also recorded. RESULTS Infants who developed BPD (n = 76) had significantly higher COHb levels in the first seven days [1.7% (0.3-6.8)] compared to those that did not develop BPD [1.6% (0.9-3.8); p = 0.001]. Higher COHb levels in the first seven days after birth were also observed in infants with grade three/four IVH [n = 20; 1.9% (1.0-6.8)] compared to those without [1.6% (0.3-5.6); p < 0.001]. COHb levels, however, were not associated with the duration of ventilation, BPD severity or survival to discharge. CONCLUSION Higher COHb levels in prematurely born infants were associated with the development of BPD and IVH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Bednarczuk
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Emma E Williams
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Greenough
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, SE5 9RS, United Kingdom; Asthma UK Centre for Allergic Mechanisms in Asthma, King's College London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre based at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore Dassios
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, SE5 9RS, United Kingdom; Neonatal Intensive Care Centre, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation trust, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Antioxidant Effect of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6308255. [PMID: 34840669 PMCID: PMC8626170 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6308255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Preterm infants are at risk of free radical-mediated diseases from oxidative stress (OS) injury. Increased free radical generation has been demonstrated in preterm infants during the first seven days of life. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. In preterm neonates, melatonin deficiency has been reported. Exogenous melatonin administration appears a promising strategy in the treatment of neonatal morbidities in which OS has a leading role. Objective The aim was to evaluate plasma MEL concentrations and OS biomarkers in preterm newborns after early administration of melatonin. Methods A prospective, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020. Thirty-six preterm newborns were enrolled. Starting from the first day of life, 21 received a single dose of oral melatonin 0.5 mg/kg once a day, in the morning (MEL group); 15 newborns received an equivalent dose of placebo (placebo group). Samples of 0.2 mL of plasma were collected at 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration. Plasma concentrations of melatonin, non-protein-bound iron (NPBI), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and F2-isoprostanes (F2-Isopr) were measured. Babies were clinically followed until discharge. Results At 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration, the MEL concentrations were significantly higher in the MEL group than in the placebo group (52759.30 ± 63529.09 vs. 28.57 ± 46.24 pg/mL and 279397.6 ± 516344.2 vs. 38.50 ± 44.01 pg/mL, respectively). NPBI and AOPP did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups both at 24 and 48 hours. At 48 hours, the mean blood concentrations of F2-Isopr were significantly lower in the MEL group than in the placebo group (36.48 ± 33.85 pg/mL vs.89.97 ± 52.01 pg/mL). Conclusions Early melatonin administration in preterm newborns reduces lipid peroxidation in the first days of life showing a potential role to protect high-risk newborns. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with NCT04785183, Early Supplementation of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns: the Effects on Oxidative Stress.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lembo C, Buonocore G, Perrone S. Oxidative Stress in Preterm Newborns. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111672. [PMID: 34829543 PMCID: PMC8614893 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm babies are highly susceptible to oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems. The generation of free radicals (FR) induces oxidative damage to multiple body organs and systems. OS is the main factor responsible for the development of typical premature infant diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, kidney damage, eryptosis, and also respiratory distress syndrome and patent ductus arteriosus. Many biomarkers have been detected to early identify newborns at risk of developing a free radical-mediated disease and to investigate new antioxidant strategies. This review reports the current knowledge on OS in the preterm newborns and the newest findings concerning the use of OS biomarkers as diagnostic tools, as well as in implementing antioxidant therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of these diseases and their sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lembo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.L.); (G.B.)
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neonatology Unit, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Permyakova AV, Porodikov A, Kuchumov AG, Biyanov A, Arutunyan V, Furman EG, Sinelnkov YS. Discriminant Analysis of Main Prognostic Factors Associated with Hemodynamically Significant PDA: Apgar Score, Silverman-Anderson Score, and NT-Pro-BNP Level. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3729. [PMID: 34442025 PMCID: PMC8397198 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in premature newborns is associated with a risk of PDA-related morbidities. Classification into risk groups may have a clinical utility in cases of suspected hsPDA to decrease the need for echocardiograms and unnecessary treatment. This prospective observational study included 99 premature newborns with extremely low body weight, who had an echocardiogram performed within the first three days of life. Discriminant analysis was utilized to find the best combination of prognostic factors for evaluation of hsPDA. We used binary logistic regression analysis to predict the relationship between parameters and hsPDA. The cohort's mean and standard deviation gestational age was 27.6 ± 2.55 weeks, the mean birth weight was 1015 ± 274 g. Forty-six (46.4%) infants had a PDA with a mean diameter of 2.78 mm. Median NT-pro-BNP levels were 17,600 pg/mL for infants with a PDA and 2773 pg/mL in the non-hsPDA group. The combination of prognostic factors of hsPDA in newborns of extremely low body weight on the third day of life was determined: NT-pro-BNP, Apgar score, Silverman-Anderson score (Se = 82%, Sp = 88%). A cut-off value of NT-pro-BNP of more than 8500 pg/mL can predict hsPDA (Se = 84%, Sp = 86%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Permyakova
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Perm State Medical University, 614990 Perm, Russia;
| | - Artem Porodikov
- Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, 614990 Perm, Russia; (A.P.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (Y.S.S.)
| | - Alex G. Kuchumov
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Mechanics, and Biomechanics, Perm National Research Polytechnic University, 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - Alexey Biyanov
- Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, 614990 Perm, Russia; (A.P.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (Y.S.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Perm State Medical University, 614990 Perm, Russia
| | - Vagram Arutunyan
- Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, 614990 Perm, Russia; (A.P.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (Y.S.S.)
| | - Evgeniy G. Furman
- Department of the Intermediate Level and Hospital Pediatrics, Perm State Medical University, 614990 Perm, Russia;
| | - Yuriy S. Sinelnkov
- Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, 614990 Perm, Russia; (A.P.); (A.B.); (V.A.); (Y.S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Coviello C, Perrone S, Buonocore G, Negro S, Longini M, Dani C, de Vries LS, Groenendaal F, Vijlbrief DC, Benders MJNL, Tataranno ML. Isoprostanes as Biomarker for White Matter Injury in Extremely Preterm Infants. Front Pediatr 2021; 8:618622. [PMID: 33585368 PMCID: PMC7874160 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.618622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Preterm white matter is vulnerable to lipid peroxidation-mediated injury. F2-isoprostanes (IPs), are a useful biomarker for lipid peroxidation. Aim was to assess the association between early peri-postnatal IPs, white matter injury (WMI) at term equivalent age (TEA), and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. Methods: Infants with a gestational age (GA) below 28 weeks who had an MRI at TEA were included. IPs were measured in cord blood (cb) at birth and on plasma (pl) between 24 and 48 h after birth. WMI was assessed using Woodward MRI scoring system. Multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the association between IPs with WMI and then with BSITD-III scores at 24 months corrected age (CA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of pl-IPs for the development of WMI. Results: Forty-four patients were included. cb-IPs were not correlated with WMI score at TEA, whereas higher pl-IPs and lower GA predicted higher WMI score (p = 0.037 and 0.006, respectively) after controlling for GA, FiO2 at sampling and severity of IVH. The area under the curve was 0.72 (CI 95% = 0.51-0.92). The pl-IPs levels plotted curve indicated that 31.8 pg/ml had the best predictive threshold with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 60%, to discriminate newborns with any WMI from newborns without WMI. IPs were not associated with outcome at 24 months. Conclusion: Early measurement of pl-IPs may help discriminate patients showing abnormal WMI score at TEA, thus representing an early biomarker to identify newborns at risk for brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Coviello
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serafina Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Negro
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mariangela Longini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Carlo Dani
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda S. de Vries
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Floris Groenendaal
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel C. Vijlbrief
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Manon J. N. L. Benders
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maria Luisa Tataranno
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bardanzellu F, Piras C, Atzei A, Neroni P, Fanos V. Early Urinary Metabolomics in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Anticipates the Fate: Preliminary Data. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:613749. [PMID: 33409262 PMCID: PMC7779766 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.613749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In premature neonates, the persistence of hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) can be associated with short- and long-term consequences, impairing their outcome. The correct strategy of management for such condition is under debate, especially regarding contraindications and/or side effects. In recent years, metabolomics was applied to several perinatal, pediatric, and adult conditions to investigate potential biomarkers of disease, which have become useful for early diagnosis and/or therapeutic management. Aim of the Study: The main purpose of our exploratory study was to asses, through 1H-NMR metabolomics analysis of urinary samples at birth, possible metabolic pathways differentiating, with a significant predictive power, those preterm neonates who will subsequently develop hsPDA and neonates of comparable gestational age (GA) who will undergo spontaneous ductal closure or the persistence of an irrelevant PDA (no-hsPDA). Moreover, we investigated potential prenatal or perinatal clinical factors potentially influencing the development of hsPDA. Materials and Methods: We enrolled n = 35 preterm neonates with GA between 24 and 32 weeks; urinary samples were collected within the first 12 h of life. Patients were closely monitored regarding intensive care, respiratory support, fluid balance and administered drugs; an echocardiogram was performed at 48-72 h. Results: Our results reported a significant correlation between lower GA at birth and the development of hsPDA. Moreover, neonates with GA ≤ 30w developing hsPDA were characterized by lower Apgar scores at 1' and 5', higher rates of perinatal asphyxia, higher need of delivery room resuscitation and subsequent surfactant administration. Interestingly, metabolomics analysis at birth detected a clear separation between the 1H-NMR urinary spectra of subjects GA ≤ 30w not developing hsPDA (n = 19) and those of subjects born at GA ≤ 30w in which hsPDA was confirmed at 48-72 h of life (n = 5). Conclusions: This is the first study applying metabolomics to investigate the PDA condition. Although preliminary and conducted on a limited sample, our results reveal that metabolomics could be a promising tool in the early identification of hsPDA, potentially superior to the clinical or laboratory predictive tools explored to date and even to the clinical observations and correlations in our sample, through the detection of specific urinary metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Bardanzellu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Atzei
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Neroni
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|