Plasma lipid metabolites are associated with gestational age but not bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that plasma lipid metabolite levels in premature infants are associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The studies also tested a secondary hypothesis that plasma lipid metabolite levels were correlated with gestational age. Infants born <32 weeks' gestation were enrolled during the first 72 h of life. Plasma samples were obtained and lipid levels were measured by LC-MS/MS. Clinical data were collected to determine infant outcomes and BPD diagnosis. Following adjustment for confounders, lipid levels were not associated with BPD; however, levels of specific lipid metabolites were correlated with gestational age. Immature lipid metabolism pathways in premature infants may contribute to the pathogenesis of BPD and other diseases.