Genomic risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates

Background: Current studies indicate that the frequency of BPD in very preterm neonates is in about 15 to 20 % in Europe. Main risk factors have been identified to be the degree of maturity, intrauterine growth restriction and perinatal infections. However, all models can only explain about 60 to 70 % of cases of BPD. Thus, genetic factors must be operative, which will be addressed below. Results: A number of smaller association studies indicate that polymorphisms in genes regulating surfactant synthesis and metabolism, further those genes regulating inflammation and innate immunity and developmental genes regul…