The Effects of Maternal Preeclampsia on the Development of Pulmonary and Vascular Dysfunction in Infants

The overall objective of this study is to determine whether the anti-angiogenic environment of preeclampsia results in pulmonary and vascular dysfunction in infants. Specifically, study investigators hypothesize that the anti- angiogenic environment of preeclampsia will impair pulmonary development and promote vascular dysfunction in infants. Furthermore, study investigators hypothesize that circulating progenitor cell (CPC) measurements in cord blood will correlate with infant pulmonary (Aim #1) and systemic vascular (Aim #2) function. Study investigators will determine whether the pro-angiogenic circulating progenitor cells (CPC) versus non-circulating progenitor cells ratio in cord blood of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia predicts pulmonary diffusing capacity and systemic vascular dysfunction, as well as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This research represents an important translational study that extends observations made in pre-clinical animal models that have clearly established a critical relationship between angiogenesis and lung development. Preliminary data strongly suggest a relationship between pro-angiogenic circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and pulmonary diffusion in human infants. Investigators will evaluate whether circulating progenitor cells (CPC)s are a biomarker for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), investigators will relate circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) to the underlying pathophysiology, as assessed by pulmonary function testing methods that we developed for this very difficult age group to evaluate. A positive finding in the study would provide the rationale for future translational studies evaluating the therapeutic potential of circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) to stimulate lung development of premature infants, as there are currently no known therapeutic interventions that minimize or prevent the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). One of several approaches could be applied in the future to increase circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) in premature infants: 1) pharmacologic mobilization of pro-angiogenic cells from the bone marrow, 2) expansion of pro-angiogenic cells from an infant's cord blood for autologous infusion, and 3) transfusion of pooled pro-angiogenic cells from multiple donors.