Maternal preeclampsia and respiratory outcomes in extremely premature infants.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication characterized by an anti-angiogenic environment. This can affect fetal pulmonary vascular and alveolar development but data of the impact of PE on respiratory outcome in extremely premature infants are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine if PE is associated with an increased risk for severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely premature infants.
Methods: Prospectively collected single center data from a cohort of infants born at 23-28 w gestational age between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis and generalized estimating equations were used to model the association between PE and severe RDS (≥30% supplemental oxygen on d1), BPD and severe BPD [supplemental oxygen and ≥30% oxygen at 36 w postmenstrual age (PMA), respectively].
Results: The cohort included 1218 infants of whom 23% were exposed to PE. PE was associated with increased risk for severe RDS as well as severe BPD among infants alive at 36w PMA.
Conclusion: Exposure to preeclampsia is independently associated with an increased risk for severe RDS and adverse respiratory outcome in extreme premature infants. The mechanisms behind these associations need to be investigated.