Ceramides in tracheal aspirates of preterm infants: Marker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

PLoS One. 2018 Jan 18;13(1):e0185969. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185969. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Background: In an experimental mouse model we showed that ceramides play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and are a potential target for therapeutic intervention. We investigated whether ceramides are detectable in tracheal aspirates (TAs) of preterm infants and differ between infants with or without BPD.

Methods: Infants born ≤ 32 weeks of gestational age in need of mechanical ventilation in the first week of life were included. TAs were obtained directly after intubation and at day 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. Ceramide concentrations were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. At 36 weeks postmenstrual age BPD was defined as having had ≥ 28 days supplemental oxygen.

Results: 122 infants were included, of which 14 died and 41 developed BPD. All infants showed an increase in ceramides after the first day of intubation. The ceramide profile differed significantly between preterm infants who did and did not develop BPD. However, the ceramide profile had no additional predictive value for BPD development over GA at birth, birth weight and total days of mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions: Ceramides are measurable in TAs of preterm born infants and may be an early marker for BPD development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / metabolism*
  • Ceramides / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Male
  • Trachea / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Ceramides

Grants and funding

Funding from the Stichting Sophia Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, abbreviated as SSWO, number S13-24. However, we declare that the funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.