Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Very Preterm Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Pilot Study
Ira Winkler1, Anna Posod1, Anna Staudt1
1Department of Paediatrics II (Neonatology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Insights
MicroRNAs may predict hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants. Downregulation of hsa-miR-218-5p in cord blood suggests potential as an early hsPDA biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Genetics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Very preterm infants are susceptible to hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), increasing morbidity.
- Current hsPDA management is debated, and treatments carry risks.
- Accurate prediction tools for hsPDA closure are needed to guide clinical decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore microRNA expression profiles in very preterm infants with and without hsPDA.
- To evaluate microRNAs as potential biomarkers for hsPDA.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of preterm infants (birth weight ≤1,250 g, gestational age <30 weeks).
- Groups: spontaneous ductus closure (control) vs. persistent hsPDA.
- MicroRNA sequencing on umbilical cord blood and week 1 infant blood samples.
Main Results:
- 25 infants included (14 control, 11 hsPDA).
- Significant downregulation of hsa-miR-218-5p observed in umbilical cord blood of the hsPDA group (FDR = 0.099).
- No significant microRNA differences detected in week 1 infant blood.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs show promise as biomarkers for hsPDA in preterm infants.
- hsa-miR-218-5p in cord blood may serve as an early predictive marker.
- Larger studies are required to confirm these findings and assess clinical utility.
Introduction:
Very preterm infants are at risk for developing hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), which contributes to increased morbidity. The optimal management of hsPDA remains controversial, and treatment options are associated with complications. Developing accurate prediction tools for hsPDA closure is essential to guide management strategies. The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate microRNA expression profiles in very preterm infants with and without hsPDA and to assess their potential as biomarkers for hsPDA.
Methods:
We prospectively enrolled preterm infants with a birth weight of ≤1,250 g and a gestational age of <30 weeks at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, Austria. Infants with spontaneous ductus closure within the first week comprised the control group, while those with persistent hsPDA formed the hsPDA group. Total RNA was extracted from dried blood spots (umbilical cord blood and infant blood of week 1), followed by microRNA sequencing and differential gene expression analysis.
Results:
The study included 25 infants (control group: n = 14; hsPDA group: n = 11). Differential expression analysis of umbilical cord blood identified significant downregulation of hsa-miR-218-5p in the hsPDA group compared to the control group (log2 fold change = -3.444; FDR = 0.099, Benjamini-Hochberg corrected). In the analysis of infant blood of week 1, no significant differences in micro-ribonucleic acid expression profile between hsPDA and control group were detected.
Conclusion:
MicroRNAs could be potential biomarkers for hsPDA closure in preterm infants. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings of this pilot study and to assess clinical applicability.
