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Maternal preeclampsia and risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants

Joyce E O'Shea1, Peter G Davis, Lex W Doyle

  • 1Department of Newborn Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. joyce.oshea@thewomens.org.au

Pediatric Research
|January 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Preeclampsia (PE) does not significantly increase the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm or extremely-low-birth-weight infants. This finding holds true even after adjusting for confounding factors in the analysis.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Perinatal Research
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant complication of pregnancy.
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common respiratory complication in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal preeclampsia (PE) and the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm (EP) or extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of EP/ELBW infants born in Victoria, Australia (1991-2005).
  • Comparison of BPD incidence (oxygen requirement at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age) between infants exposed and not exposed to PE.
  • Statistical analysis including adjustment for confounding variables and pooled analysis with other studies.

Main Results:

  • Of 753 infants, 138 were exposed to PE; BPD was not significantly related to PE exposure before or after adjustment.
  • Selection by gestational age alone showed no association; selection by birth weight alone suggested a reduction in BPD, which disappeared after adjustment.
  • Pooled analysis with other studies did not alter the conclusions.

Conclusions:

  • Preeclampsia does not significantly affect the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm or extremely-low-birth-weight infants.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of adjusting for confounding variables in perinatal research.
Abstract

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