A new study offers hope for preterm babies at risk of developing chronic lung disease. Researchers have found that a simple blood test could help identify which preterm infants are most likely to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung condition, allowing for earlier intervention and more personalized treatments.
The study, conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, discovered that specific changes in blood proteins, when considered alongside factors like gestational age, birth weight, and sex, can strongly predict the onset of BPD within the first 72 hours of life.
BPD is a condition that typically arises when a preterm baby’s lungs are damaged due to prolonged respiratory support and oxygen use. This disease impacts 65 percent of preterm infants, leading to lifelong chronic lung issues and developmental challenges.
Involving 23 preterm babies born before 29 weeks’ gestation at the Royal Women’s Hospital, the research analyzed 493 blood proteins. Of these, changes in 49 proteins were notably associated with babies who went on to develop BPD, with some differences appearing as early as four hours after birth.
Dr. Prue Pereira-Fantini from MCRI highlighted the significance of these findings, explaining that the study provides a detailed understanding of the early biological changes in infants at risk for BPD. “Currently, our ability to predict, prevent, and treat BPD is limited,” she said. Existing prediction tools fail to address the underlying disease mechanisms.
Typically, BPD is diagnosed around 36 weeks post-menstrual age, by which time opportunities to minimize lung damage are reduced. However, this new approach could allow for BPD to be predicted as soon as four hours after birth, combining blood protein analysis with other key birth factors.
MCRI Professor David Tingay emphasized that earlier and more accurate prediction of BPD could lead to timely, targeted treatments and better guidance for families. “If we can identify these risks early, we can tailor interventions to protect the lungs and improve long-term outcomes for these vulnerable babies,” he noted.
The research team is now working on developing a lung injury assessment tool that could be widely used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to assess all preterm infants for BPD risk.
Dr. Pereira-Fantini expressed optimism about the future of BPD prevention, saying, “A blood test-based tool would empower clinicians to make informed respiratory care decisions from birth, significantly increasing these babies’ chances for a healthier life. Early intervention is key to reducing the severity of BPD and its lasting health impacts.”
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