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Angiotensin-converting enzyme DD genotype is associated with worse perinatal cardiorespiratory adaptation in preterm

David Harding1, Sukhbir Dhamrait, Neil Marlow

  • 1Division of Child Health, University of Bristol, United Kingdom. david.harding@bristol.ac.uk

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) DD genotype may negatively impact preterm infants, leading to increased oxygen and circulatory support needs. This genetic variant is linked to cardiorespiratory issues in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Cardiorespiratory Physiology

Background:

  • The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) deletion (D) variant is linked to higher ACE activity.
  • This may contribute to adverse cardiorespiratory responses.
  • The impact on preterm infants' early health is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the ACE DD genotype adversely affects the early health status of preterm infants.
  • To compare outcomes between preterm infants with DD genotype versus ID or II genotypes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 148 preterm infants (gestational age 28-32 weeks) in Bristol, UK, was studied.
  • ACE genotype was determined for each infant.
  • Intensive care data were prospectively collected and analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and chi(2) tests.

Main Results:

  • Infants with the DD genotype required higher oxygen concentrations (P=.028).
  • They also showed increased need for circulatory support (P=.039) and a worse base deficit (P=.020) in the first 12 hours post-birth.
  • These findings indicate a significant association between the DD genotype and poorer early cardiorespiratory status.

Conclusions:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism plays a role in preterm cardiorespiratory disease development.
  • The DD genotype, associated with higher ACE activity, may negatively influence the early health of preterm infants.
  • Further research into ACE genotype and neonatal outcomes is warranted.
Abstract

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