Blood Of Premature Infants Research Articles

Premature Infants Absorb Alcohol from Disinfectants.

According to this study: A quality improvement study showed that alcohol evaporated from alcohol-based disinfectants (ABDs) is absorbed by premature infants in incubators.A simple method to reduce alcohol evaporation from ABDs was associated with reduced concentrations of alcohol in neonatal incubators and in the blood of premature infants.

Proteomics identifies lipocalin-2 in neonatal inflammation associated with cerebrovascular alteration in mice and preterm infants

Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis is the most common nosocomial coagulase-negative staphylococci infection in preterm infants. Clinical signs of infection are often unspecific and novel markers to complement diagnosis are needed. We investigated proteomic alterations in mouse brain after S.epidermidis infection and in preterm infant blood. We identified lipocalin-2 (LCN2) as a crucial protein associated with cerebrovascular changes and astrocyte reactivity in mice. We further proved that LCN2 protein expression was associated with endothelial cells but not astrocyte reactivity. By combining network analysis and differential expression approaches, we identified LCN2 linked to blood C-reactive protein levels in preterm infants born <28weeks of gestation. Blood LCN2 levels were associated with similar alterations of cytokines and chemokines in both infected mice and human preterm infants with increased levels of C-reactive protein. This experimental and clinical study suggests that LCN2 may be a marker of preterm infection/inflammation associated with cerebrovascular changes and neuroinflammation.

Association of Plasma Cortisol Levels with Gestational Age and Anthropometric Values at Birth in Preterm Infants.

There are no study reports to clarify the association between gestational age (GA) or anthropometric values at birth, and plasma cortisol levels in the blood of preterm infants at birth and at one month of age. This hospital-based retrospective cohort study included infants born at <37 weeks’ gestation between 2019 and 2021. First, the association between plasma cortisol level and GA or anthropometric values at birth (birth weight standard deviation score [SDS], birth length SDS, and birth head circumference SDS) was identified by regression and multiple regression analyses. Second, plasma cortisol levels in the umbilical cord at birth and at one month of age were compared between small-for-gestational age (SGA) and non-SGA infants. Sixty-one preterm infants were enrolled (SGA: 24 and non-SGA: 37). Plasma cortisol levels at birth were significantly associated with GA. Plasma cortisol levels at one month of age were associated with GA and birth head circumference SDS. Plasma cortisol levels at birth were significantly higher in SGA than non-SGA (p = 0.010). GA was an independent determinant of plasma cortisol levels at birth. SGA infants had a high plasma cortisol level at birth; resulting in speculation that a high plasma cortisol level at birth may predict abnormal neurological outcomes.

Cord blood antimicrobial peptide LL37 levels in preterm neonates and association with preterm complications

BackgroundCathelicidin/LL-37 plays a significant role in the human immune defense reaction. Preterm human immature organs being exposed to inflammation-induced injury was the critical denominator leading to the common preterm associated complications. Previous study showed LL37 concentration in preterm neonates was lower in tracheal aspirates and breast milk as compared to term infants. An adults study showed decreased LL-37 levels was a risk factor for patients in developing severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the regulation of human cord blood LL37 in preterm neonates and the association with preterm complications. This study was designed to investigate the concentration of LL37 in cord blood of preterm infants and correlation with preterm complications.MethodsSingleton infants born in June 2017 to August 2021 in the study hospital were enrolled. Maternal and neonatal clinical characteristics were collected. LL37 levels, pro-inflammatory factor interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) in cord blood and LL37 levels in serum 48–72 hours after birth were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The serum level of LL37 in preterm and term neonates were compared, the perinatal factors possibly affecting the LL37 levels were investigated and the relationship between LL37 level and preterm outcomes were analyzed.ResultsCord blood LL37 levels in preterm infants were lower than that in term neonates. Cord blood LL37 level was positively correlated with gestational age in preterm. Prenatal steroid administration in preterm neonates decreased cord blood LL37 level. LL37 level was obviously lower in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Multiple line regression analysis showed higher LL37 level in cord blood was an independent protective factor for BPD. The concentration of pro-inflammatory factor IL-6 was negatively correlated with LL37.ConclusionCord blood LL37 levels increased during gestation and decreased after perinatal steroid usage. Very preterm infants who displayed higher cord blood LL37 level had reduced risk of developing BPD. Regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 may be associated with the protective effect of LL37 on BPD.

Cord Blood Levels of Angiopoietin-Like 7 (ANGPTL7) in Preterm Infants.

Objective ANGPTL7 is a member of the angiogenin-like protein family. Compared to other members, ANGPTL7 is the least known. Recent studies have explored the relationship between ANGPTL7 and multiple pathological processes and diseases. However, there is no research about ANGPTL7 in neonates. This study was designed to investigate the concentration of ANGPTL7 in cord blood of preterm infants. Method Singleton infants born in November 2017 to June 2019 in the study hospital were enrolled in the study. Maternal and neonatal clinical data were collected. ANGPTL7 levels in cord blood and serum on the third day after birth were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Result A total of 182 infants were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups by gestational age (102 preterm, 80 full-term). ANGPTL7 levels in preterm infants were significantly higher than that in full-term babies (t = 15.4, P < 0.001). In multiple line regression analysis, ANGPTL7 levels independently correlated with gestational age (β = −0.556, P < 0.001). There is also no correlation between preterm outcomes and ANGPTL7 levels. Cord blood levels of ANGPTL7 were significantly higher than those in serum on the third day after birth (t = 13.88, P < 0.001). Conclusion Cord blood ANGPTL7 levels are higher in preterm infants than full-term babies. The levels are independently influenced by gestational ages and attenuated significantly after birth. The underlying mechanism needs to be further studied.

Soluble Klotho, a biomarker and therapeutic strategy to reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants

Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) have accelerated lung aging and poor long-term outcomes. Klotho is an antiaging protein that modulates oxidative stress, angiogenesis and fibrosis. Here we test the hypothesis that decreased cord Klotho levels in preterm infants predict increased BPD–PH risk and early Klotho supplementation prevents BPD-like phenotype and PH in rodents exposed to neonatal hyperoxia. In experiment 1, Klotho levels were measured in cord blood of preterm infants who were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study. In experiment 2, using an experimental BPD–PH model, rat pups exposed to room air or hyperoxia (85% O2) were randomly assigned to receive every other day injections of recombinant Klotho or placebo. The effect of Klotho on lung structure, PH and cardiac function was assessed. As compared to controls, preterm infants with BPD or BPD–PH had decreased cord Klotho levels. Early Klotho supplementation in neonatal hyperoxia-exposed rodents preserved lung alveolar and vascular structure, attenuated PH, reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling and improved cardiac function. Together, these findings have important implications as they suggest that perinatal Klotho deficiency contributes to BPD–PH risk and strategies that preserve Klotho levels, may improve long-term cardiopulmonary outcomes in preterm infants.

Circular RNA expression alteration in whole blood of premature infants with periventricular white matter damage

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved and tissue-specific types of non-coding RNA and can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for disease. However, the clinical significance and levels of expression of circRNAs for whole blood samples of prematurely born infants afflicted by diseases such as periventricular white matter damage (PWMD) are largely unknown. Therefore, we sought to identify measures of expression of circRNAs in whole blood samples obtained from prematurely born infants afflicted by PWMD and comparatively in samples from prematurely born infants without PWMD. We found the expression levels of circRNAs which from premature with PWMD has changed. Further analysis suggests that these circRNAs have important roles in PWMD. This study can improve the understanding for the potential of the circRNAs to serve as biomarkers in PWMD. Moreover, these circRNAs may provide evidence for improving diagnosis and treatment for infants afflicted by PWMD, and merits continued research.

The recombinant human erythropoietin therapy for extremely and very low birth weight infants

Anemia of prematurity is a common pathology in premature infants. The prevalence of anemia of prematurity is inversely proportional to the gestational age and body weight at birth. The pathogenetic importance of impaired erythropoietin (EPO) production in anemia of prematurity provides the rationale for therapy with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) including recombinant EPO. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of different regimens of recombinant human erythropoietin in extremely and very low birth weight infants (ELBW and VLBW) was studied. Research has been set as a prospective analysis of 133 VLBW and ELBW infants (in the period from December 2017 to February 2019). Gestational age (GA) of the children ranged from 26 to 33 weeks, of these, GA of 75 children (56%) was 30 weeks or less. Depending on the treatment of anemia of prematurity all infants were divided into 5 groups: group 1 (n = 26) – premature babies who were prescribed ESAs since 3 day of life 200 IU/kg 3 times per week subcutaneously; group 2 (n = 21) – premature babies who were prescribed ESAs since 3 day of life 400 IU/kg 3 times per week subcutaneously; group 3 (n = 37) – premature babies who were prescribed ESAs since 8 day of life 200 IU/kg 3 times per week subcutaneously; group 4 (n = 18) – premature babies who were prescribed ESAs since 8 day of life 400 IU/kg 3 times per week subcutaneously; group 5 (n = 31) premature infants who did not receive treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (control group). Subgroups of children of gestational age ≤ 30 weeks were identified in each group. The groups and subgroups did not differ significantly in gestational age, weight, birth length, and Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes of life, p &gt; 0.05. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in the age of the 1st transfusion, the frequency and total volume of transfusions, the duration of respiratory therapy, the duration of hospitalization, including treatment in NICU, body weight and age at discharge. The frequency of retinopathy of prematurity stage ≥ 3, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia of moderate and severe severity, intraventricular hemorrhages of varying severity, necrotizing enterocolitis was not statistically significant in the study groups and subgroups. Statistically significant differences in the concentration of hemoglobin in the peripheral blood of premature infants were revealed at discharge. In the control group, children had a lower level of hemoglobin at discharge (94 g/l) compared with the groups with early appointment of ESAs (109 g/l and 107 g/l in groups 1 and 2, respectively, P0-1 = 0.048 and P0-2 = 0.047) due to newborn GA ≤ 30 weeks. It is preferable to use of the drug ESAs at a dose of 200 IU/kg 3 p/week p/, starting from the 3rd day of life. The effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy, the time of its start and various treatment regimens remain controversial issues that require further study. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee of the National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov.

Gene expression profiling at birth characterizing the preterm infant with early onset infection

Early onset infection (EOI) in preterm infants <32 weeks gestational age (GA) is associated with a high mortality rate and the development of severe acute and long-term complications. The pathophysiology of EOI is not fully understood and clinical and laboratory signs of early onset infections in this patient cohort are often not conclusive. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify signatures characterizing preterm infants with EOI by using genome-wide gene expression (GWGE) analyses from umbilical arterial blood of preterm infants. This prospective cohort study was conducted in preterm infants <32 weeks GA. GWGE analyses using CodeLink human microarrays were performed from umbilical arterial blood of preterm infants with and without EOI. GWGE analyses revealed differential expression of 292 genes in preterm infants with EOI as compared to infants without EOI. Infants with EOI could be further differentiated into two subclasses and were distinguished by the magnitude of the expression of genes involved in both neutrophil and T cell activation. A hallmark activity for both subclasses of EOI was a common suppression of genes involved in natural killer (NK) cell function, which was independent from NK cell numbers. Significant results were recapitulated in an independent validation cohort. Gene expression profiling may enable early and more precise diagnosis of EOI in preterm infants.Key messageGene expression (GE) profiling at birth characterizes preterm infants with EOI.GE analysis indicates dysregulation of NK cell activity.NK cell activity at birth may be a useful marker to improve early diagnosis of EOI.

Different expressions of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and related factors in peripheral blood of preterm infants

Different expressions of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and related factors in peripheral blood of preterm infants

Evaluation of Creatine Kinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Amylase Concentrations in Umbilical Blood of Preterm Infants after Long-Term Tocolysis

Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and amylase levels of preterm infants following long-term tocolysis in pregnant women are limited. The objective of this study was to determine if the tocolytic therapy affects CK, LDH, and amylase levels in the umbilical blood. This study included 215 preterm infants born to women treated with and without ritodrine hydrochloride. CK, LDH, and amylase levels in the umbilical blood at delivery were determined. Infants were divided according to the ritodrine tocolysis, as follows: Group A (n = 91), not exposed to ritodrine; Group B (n = 44), IV ritodrine for <1 week; Group C (n = 80), IV ritodrine for ≥1 week. The CK concentration in cord blood of Group C (198.8 ± 14.2 IU/L) was significantly higher in comparison with Group A (155.0 ± 7.3 IU/L, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in LDH and amylase levels in the three groups. The CK significantly correlated with gestational age (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) and birth weight (r = 0.38, P < 0.01). LDH and amylase levels did not change with gestational age nor birth weight. In conclusion, long-term ritodrine tocolysis leads to increased umbilical blood CK level.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1 in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can lead to severe visual impairment. This study was conducted to determine the levels of biochemical mediators (i. e. vascular endothelial growth f actor [ VEGF] and insulin- like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) in the blood of premature infants with proliferative ROP. Blood samples from 71 preterm infants born at or before 32 weeks of gestation were obtained 6-8 weeks after birth. These infants were classified into two groups according to their eye examination results. The control group consisted of 41 infants who had no evidence of ROP, and the study group consisted of 30 infants with proliferative ROP at stage III or higher. Blood VEGF and IGF-1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean gestational ages of the infants at birth were 28.4 ± 1.6 and 28.8 ± 1.6 weeks in the study and control groups, respectively (p = 0.259). The mean postmenstrual age of the infants at the time of blood sampling was 34.9 ± 1.2 weeks in the study group and 34.6 ± 1.3 weeks in the control group (p = 0.339). The mean blood IGF-1 (18.48 ± 11.79 µg/L and 16.75 ± 13.74 µg/L in the study and control groups, respectively; p = 0.580) and VEGF (267.35 ± 103.43 pg/mL and 237.52 ± 130.92 pg/mL in the study and control groups, respectively; p = 0.305) levels of the infants were not significantly different between the two groups. At 6-8 weeks after birth, blood IGF-1 and VEGF levels were not found to be significantly different between premature infants with proliferative ROP and those without.

T-Cell Subpopulations αβ and γδ in Cord Blood of Very Preterm Infants: the Influence of Intrauterine Infection

Preterm infants are very susceptible to infections. Immune response mechanisms in this group of patients and factors that influence cord blood mononuclear cell populations remain poorly understood and are considered insufficient. However, competent immune functions of the cord blood mononuclear cells are also described. The aim of this work was to evaluate the T-cell population (CD3+) with its subpopulations bearing T-cell receptor (TCR) αβ or TCR γδ in the cord blood of preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation by mothers with or without an intrauterine infection. Being a pilot study, it also aimed at feasibility check and assessment of an expected effect size. The cord blood samples of 46 infants age were subjected to direct immunofluorescent staining with monoclonal antibodies and then analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of CD3+ cells in neonates born by mothers with diagnosis of intrauterine infection was significantly lower than in neonates born by mothers without infection (p = 0.005; Mann–Whitney U test). The number of cells did not differ between groups. Infection present in the mother did not have an influence on the TCR αβ or TCR γδ subpopulations. Our study contributes to a better understanding of preterm infants’ immune mechanisms, and sets the stage for further investigations.

1402 Biofilm and Attachment Capabilities of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Strains Isolated From Newborn Infants

Background: Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most commonly isolated etiological agent of nosocomial infections in preterm infants and the main cause of device-related infections. Biofilm formation is its best known virulence factor. Methods: S. epidermidis strains were isolated from normal skin and blood of preterm infants. Biofilmand initial attachment assays were determined microplates by crystal violet staining as well as on central venous catheter (CVC) visualised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Biofilmassociated genes, and the insertion sequence element IS256 were detected by polymerase chain reaction. The autolysin/adhesin atlE genes of isolates were sequenced. Results: TEM revealed fimbrial structures on the bacterial surface involved at the initial attachment to CVC of a skin isolate. Similarity in the attachment of the isolates was confirmed by cluster analysis of the atlE gene sequences. Biofilm-positive phenotype was a frequent finding in skin but not in blood isolates. No correlation was found between biofilm formation and presence or absence of different biofilm related genes. 9 from10 blood isolates found to be invasive based on the presence of IS256. Conclusions: Although biofilm formation is a well known virulence factor of S. epidermidis, invasive strains may use an other strategy to be in hiding from the immune system. Since IS256 may affect the expression of certain genes and also may be associated with the antibiotic resistance, these can increase the fitness of invasive strains to cause sepsis in preterms.

385 Effect of Enteral Supplementation of Neutral and Acidic Oligosaccharides on Serum Cytokine Levels in Preterm Infants

Introduction: Preterm have an immature immune system. Aim of this study was to determine the effect of a prebiotic mixture consisting of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides (SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS) on cytokine levels in the blood of preterm infants. Methods: In a RCT, preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight < 1500 g) received SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS or maltodextrin (placebo) between days 3 and 30 of life. Cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α) were analysed by a fluorescent bead-based multiplex immuno assay at 3 time points: before the start of the study, day 7 and day 14. Results: In total, 113 infants were included. Baseline patient and nutritional characteristics were not different in the SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS (n=55) and the placebo group (n=58). Enteral supplementation of SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS did not change cytokine levels. There was a trend toward lower levels of IL- 1β (P=0.05, 95% CI 0.15-1.01) and TNF-α (P=0.14, 95% CI 0.18-1.26) in SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS group compared with the placebo group. Adjustment for serious infectious morbidity did not change the results of the primary analysis. Conclusions: There is a trend toward decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α after enteral supplementation with a prebiotic mixture consisting of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with multi-organ failure, chronic lung disease and white matter damage and therefore we speculate that a prebiotic mixture consisting of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides may improve clinical outcome in preterm infants.

Influence of histologic chorioamnionitis and funisitis on the level of peripheral blood C-reactive protein at birth in preterm infants

Purpose : The objective of this study is to determine the change of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the peripheral blood of preterm infants at birth according to the stage of intrauterine inflammation. Methods : A total of 187 infants (

Perinatal Asphyxia in Preterm Neonates Leads to Serum Changes in Protein S-100 and Neuron Specific Enolase

In preterm infants, neurological signs and clinical manifestations of brain damage are limited criteria for diagnosis of neurologic sequelae. Early indicators of brain damage are needed and currently some specific biochemical markers of brain injury are investigated to assess regional brain damage after perinatal asphyxia in neonates. In this study Protein S-100 (PS-100) and Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) serum levels were studied serially during the perinatal period in preterm neonates with perinatal asphyxia as markers of glial and neuronal damage respectively. Thirty outborn preterm infants with perinatal asphyxia were studied at 3, 24, 48 hours and 7 days of life. According to Apgar scores at 1' and cord blood pH and lacticidemia (LA), patients were divided in two groups: 15 of them (GA 33+/-1.2 wk, BW 1790+/-383 g) with severe asphyxia (Apgar <4, pH7.0+/-0.08, LA 6.29+/-0.79 mM/L) and 15 (GA 32+/-1.8 wk, BW 1810+/-290 g) with mild asphyxia (Apgar between 4-6, pH 7.18+/-0.05, LA 2.59+/-0.61 mM/L). Ten gestational age matched healthy preterm neonates were studied as control group. Cerebral ultrasound examinations (7 MHz) were performed at birth and repeated at 3 weeks of life. The results of this study show that neonates with severe asphyxia at any time had significantly more elevated mean serum levels of both markers compared to the group with mild asphyxia and to the control group (p<0.05). The values of control group were also significantly lower in comparison with that of mild asphyxia. In neonates with severe asphyxia, NSE values decreased constantly from birth to the seventh day of life, while PS-100 showed a different pattern increasing progressively between 3 h and 7 days. In neonates with mild asphyxia serum values of both markers showed decreasing levels through the study period. The results of this study suggest that perinatal asphyxia is associated with the release of different brain cellular proteins in the blood of preterm infants with different time course indicating specific regional cellular injury. The more elevated levels of NSE at birth found in the newborns with severe asphyxia could be considered as an early biomarker of neuronal necrotic damage in the ischaemic phase of perinatal cerebral hypoxic-ischaemic insult; progressive increase of PS-100 during the first week of life in the same neonates could be expression of apoptotic damage of glial cells occurring in the reperfusion phase of cerebral ischaemia.

Thyroid Hormone Levels in the Blood of Premature Infants

Thyroid Hormone Levels in the Blood of Premature Infants

Surfactant Protein D Levels in Umbilical Cord Blood and Capillary Blood of Premature Infants. The Influence of Perinatal Factors

Surfactant Protein D Levels in Umbilical Cord Blood and Capillary Blood of Premature Infants. The Influence of Perinatal Factors

Serial changes in levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta in premature infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to define the inflammatory changes occurring in the lungs of infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) over the first 28 days of life, and to define an optimal strategy for steroids therapy in the prevention of BPD. We measured levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) in tracheal aspirate (TA) samples and blood of premature infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome RDS (n = 45) on the first day of life prior to initiation of surfactant therapy and on days 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28. Levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta were determined with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay. Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to examine differences in trends in levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta between groups of infants. Infants were divided into group I (n = 30, FiO(2) < or = 0.35 at 28 days) and group II (n = 15, FiO(2) > 0.35 based on their likelihood of developing BPD at 36 weeks postconceptional age (PCA). The infants were comparable with respect to mean ( +/- SEM) birth weight (895 +/- 33 g vs. 900 +/- 40 g), gestational age (27 +/- 0.38 weeks vs. 27 +/- 0.54 weeks), and severity of respiratory illness at entry into the study (mean airway pressure: 12 +/- 1 cmH(2)O vs. 12 +/- 1 cmH(2)O, and oxygen index: 15 +/- 2 vs. 19 +/- 4) (group I vs. group II, respectively). Logistic regression analyses failed to reveal any significant differences in linear trends of levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta in TA samples between both groups of infants. No particular pattern of change in levels of IL-6 or IL-1beta could be identified among groups of infants. Levels of IL-6 and IL-1beta in TA samples on the first day of life failed to predict the need for FiO(2) > 0.35 at 28 days of age. We could not identify an increasing trend or a specific pattern of changes in postnatal levels of IL-6 or IL-1beta in TA samples of infants who were at greater risk of developing BPD at 36 weeks PCA compared to infants who were not.