Study of Genetic Variants Affecting Risk of Chronic Lung Disease and Other Prematurity-Related Illnesses in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether small differences in genes affecting the development and function of certain organs increase the risk of chronic lung disease and other serious conditions in very low birth weight infants, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, and intraventricular hemorrhage. This study focuses on understanding how genetic variations, especially in toll like receptor genes that play a role in the immune system, interact with other genes to influence these risks. The study involves analyzing blood samples from very low birth weight infants under 1500 grams at birth to detect known and new genetic variations in specific genes related to immune defense and organ repair. Researchers will also measure levels of biomarkers like cytokines, micro-RNAs, and peptides in the blood that may reflect inflammation or healing processes. These genetic and biomarker data will be compared between infants who develop these diseases and those who do not. Participants will have small blood samples collected for DNA and biomarker testing, with follow-up during their hospital stay averaging 6 to 8 weeks. The study will monitor the development of chronic lung disease and other prematurity-related conditions, aiming to improve early identification and understanding of disease progression. This research may help develop better strategies to prevent these complications in premature infants.

Genetic Variants and Susceptibility to Diseases of Prematurity in Very Low Birth-Weight Infants