WIP 60 - Ciliary Beat Frequency and Pattern in Extremely Premature Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Publication Number: WIP 60.7626

Frank Abene, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, HOUSTON, TX, United States; Mar Romero-Lopez, UT Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States; Ivan G. Magana Ceballos, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Ricardo A.. Mosquera, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease of prematurity, affects up to 45% of infants born less than 29 weeks gestational age. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Current treatment strategies for BPD address lung parenchyma, airway management, control of breathing, and vascular complications. The role of mucociliary clearance and ciliary function has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The ciliated epithelium of the airway plays a vital role in pulmonary defense by clearing mucus and pathogens using metachronal motion. Impaired mucociliary clearance can lead to recurrent infections and irreversible lung damage.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate ciliary beat frequency and ciliary beat patterns in premature infants with varying degrees of BPD. This study investigates the feasibility of nasal brush biopsy in a novel population to determine the ciliary beat frequency, normally 8 to 14 Hz, and ciliary beat pattern in premature infants with moderate to severe BPD.

Design/Methods: This novel study is conducted in a large, Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on neonates born less than 28 weeks gestational age, excluding those with congenital heart disease or trisomy. Patients are stratified by BPD severity based on the Jensen criteria. Ciliary biopsies are obtained from the inferior nasal turbinate at 36 to 42 weeks postmenstrual age. Specimens are stored in culture medium. Ciliary beat frequency and beat patterns are assessed using a digital high-speed video microscope and analyzed with SAVA software. Four distinct ciliary samples from each patient are evaluated to ensure robust data collection. In this IRB approved study, the expected sample size is 10 patients per group, with enrollment completion by December, and data analysis by February, which are both in progress.