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Chronic lung disease of prematurity, a common disease of premature babies, is characterised by prolonged oxygen dependency and abnormal lung growth. Our previous data shows that babies who develop CLD have persisting lung inflammation (redness and soreness) but have an inability to recruit cells to clear the inflammation. We think this failure to recruit cells of resolution is due to molecules affecting the cell signalling pathway (called IL-6 trans-signalling) which leads to recruitment of these cells. We shall investigate the role of IL-6 trans signalling in babies who develop CLD with a view to developing therapies similar to those for rheumatoid arthritis.

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Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Women & Girls Women & Girls

    Situation

     Neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) commonly affects very preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). CLD is applied to babies who remain oxygen dependent at either 28 days of age or at 36 weeks corrected gestation and have persistent chest radiological abnormalities.  Inflammatory triggers before and after birth lead to an arrest of lung development and fluid on the lungs.  Common cause of morbidity and mortality.  CLD is a common problem in intensive care units, involving a long hospital stay over several months. When discharged, the infant is very vulnerable to infection and will be frequently re-admitted to hospital.  Clinical benefit: study will evaluate the process of pathogenesis of CLD. Aim: to developing effective interventions to prevent it.  In Trent region in 2002, a total of 11,000 days of respiratory support was required for the condition, with the most activity in 915 infants born at 32 weeks or less.

    Solution

    100%
    Categories

  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Women & Girls Women & Girls