Novel blood test could predict chronic lung disease in preterm babies within hours of birth

A blood test can help predict which preterm babies will go onto develop chronic lung disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments, according to a new study.

The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology found that changes in certain blood proteins, alongside gestational age, birth weight and sex, strongly predicated bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) within 72 hours of life.

BPD usually occurs when a baby's lungs are damaged by respiratory support and the long-term use of oxygen. The disease affects 65 per cent of preterm infants and results in lifelong chronic lung disease and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The study, which examined 493 blood proteins, involved 23 babies born before 29 weeks' gestation at the Royal Women's Hospital. Changes found in 49 of these proteins were detected in babies who later developed BPD. Some differences were noticeable within four hours of a baby being born.

MCRI's Dr. Prue Pereira-Fantini said the study provided a comprehensive map of what occurred in babies with BPD and gave valuable insight about key biological changes in the first few days of life.

"Our ability to predict, prevent and treat BPD is limited," she said. The tool currently used for early prediction of BPD severity currently fails to look at the disease pathology.

"A BPD diagnosis is usually made at 36 weeks post-menstrual age, which limits potential treatments that can minimize lung injury and improve respiratory outcomes. Our team was able to identify certain proteins in the blood, which when combined with other key birth measures, may predict BPD as early as four hours post-birth."

MCRI Professor David Tingay said the ability to more accurately predict BPD within the first days of life may allow for earlier diagnosis, more targeted treatments and better-informed counseling for families.

"Changes in BPD rates can be achieved if appropriate lung-protective interventions are provided at the right time," he said. We can better tailor the care of these babies when we know how likely they are to experience lung damage and other complications."

The team are now looking to create a lung injury assessment tool that could be used to assess all preterm babies admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or special care nursery for risk of BPD.

The tool, including a blood test, would provide clinicians with the ability to guide respiratory decisions from birth, giving these babies more chances towards a healthy life.

Early intervention is likely to be more effective at preventing or minimizing the severity of BPD and its long-term health and medical effects."

Dr. Prue Pereira-Fantini, MCRI

Simantha Nation's son Atticus was born at 26 weeks gestation, weighing just 807 grams. Born very preterm, Atticus struggled to breathe from his first gasp for air.

Atticus was rushed to the NICU, where he was intubated and connected to a ventilator.

The first time Simantha laid eyes on him, he was covered in tubes and wires.

"It was devastating to see that Atticus couldn't breathe on his own," she said. Watching your tiny baby battle severe, chronic lung disease was heartbreaking.

"As the weeks in the NICU turned into months his condition wasn't improving. He was reliant on a specialised ventilator to keep him alive."

When Atticus reached five months, Simantha thought her son would lose his battle with lung disease.

"His health took a dire turn and his condition became critical," she said. We were told by staff to say our goodbyes in case he didn't make it through the night. I can't tell you how hard it was, holding him for hours and not being sure if it was the last time."

But Simantha said in the following days Atticus continued to get better, little by little. After 263 days in the NICU she was finally able to take him home.

"Atticus was tied to a machine for almost his entire hospital stay," she said. He still has a tracheostomy to help him breathe through his throat instead of the nose and mouth. Due to this he is is learning AUSLAN to communicate.

"But Atticus is thriving at home and reaching key developmental milestones. His progress has been incredible, he has come so far."

Simantha said the latest MCRI lung disease research was a remarkable discovery.

"Any research that can help babies breathe, or understand their risks sooner, would be incredible and something all parents and carers of preterm babies can take comfort in," she said.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne, the Royal Women's Hospital and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health also contributed to the findings.