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Cord blood Clara cell protein CC16 predicts the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Alexandra J J Schrama1, Alfred Bernard, Ben J H M Poorthuis

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|June 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Low cord blood Clara cell protein (CC16) levels in preterm infants predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This finding suggests CC16 may help identify infants at risk for BPD and guide future preventative therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Clara cell protein (CC16) is an anti-inflammatory protein and a biomarker for lung injury in adults.
  • Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are significant morbidities in preterm infants.
  • The relationship between cord blood CC16 and the development of RDS and BPD is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between low cord blood CC16 concentrations and the development of RDS and BPD in preterm infants.
  • To explore the relationship between CC16 and its pro-inflammatory counterpart, secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)), in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cord blood plasma was collected from 79 preterm infants.
  • CC16 concentration, sPLA(2) activity, and IL-6 concentration were measured.
  • Infants were categorized into controls, those who developed RDS, and those who developed BPD.

Main Results:

  • After adjusting for gestational age and Apgar score, CC16 concentrations were significantly lower in infants who developed BPD compared to preterm controls.
  • sPLA(2) activity was comparable across all groups.
  • IL-6 concentrations were elevated in both RDS and BPD groups compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Low cord blood CC16 concentrations independently predict the development of BPD in preterm infants.
  • Reduced CC16 levels may indicate early lung injury, contributing to RDS severity and progression to BPD.
  • Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential of recombinant human CC16 administration for BPD prevention.

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