Early Prediction of Chronic Lung Disease in Preterm Babies
As a parent, watching your tiny baby struggle to breathe is a heartbreaking experience. For Simantha Nation, this was a reality when her son Atticus was born at just 26 weeks gestation. Weighing only 807 grams, Atticus faced the challenges of being born very preterm and battling severe chronic lung disease from the moment he took his first breath.
Atticus was immediately rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he was intubated and connected to a ventilator to help him breathe. Seeing her son covered in tubes and wires, struggling to survive, was a devastating sight for Simantha.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Atticus’ condition continued to deteriorate, leaving Simantha with the fear of losing her son. After 263 days in the NICU, with many ups and downs along the way, Atticus finally went home, still reliant on a tracheostomy to assist with his breathing.
However, Atticus’ story is not unique. Chronic lung disease, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), affects 65% of preterm infants and can lead to lifelong health complications. But a recent study conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) offers hope for early prediction and targeted treatments for babies at risk of BPD.
The groundbreaking research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, focused on analyzing changes in blood proteins in preterm babies born before 29 weeks’ gestation. By studying 493 blood proteins in 23 babies, the researchers identified 49 proteins that were associated with the development of BPD.
Dr. Prue Pereira-Fantini, lead researcher at MCRI, explained that the study provides valuable insights into the biological changes that occur in the first days of life for babies at risk of BPD. “Our ability to predict, prevent, and treat BPD is currently limited,” she stated. The traditional methods used for diagnosing BPD are often delayed, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.
Professor David Tingay, also from MCRI, emphasized the importance of early prediction in improving outcomes for preterm babies. “Changes in BPD rates can be achieved if appropriate lung protective interventions are provided at the right time,” he said. By developing a lung injury assessment tool that includes a blood test, the researchers aim to guide respiratory decisions from birth, offering these vulnerable babies a better chance at a healthy life.
Simantha Nation, reflecting on her son Atticus’ journey, expressed her support for the MCRI’s research efforts. “Any research that can help babies breathe, or understand their risks sooner, would be incredible,” she said. “It’s something all parents and caregivers of preterm babies can take comfort in.”
With collaboration from the University of Melbourne, the Royal Women’s Hospital, and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the MCRI’s research has the potential to revolutionize the care of preterm babies at risk of chronic lung disease. By identifying key biomarkers early on, clinicians can tailor treatments to each baby’s specific needs, providing hope for a brighter, healthier future.
