Abstract
Background/Purpose: Previous work has shown that intrapulmonary delivery of oncotic agents enhance overall lung growth after late gestational fetal tracheal occlusion (TO). This study was a post hoc analysis aimed at determining whether actual alveolar and capillary hyperplasias are maximized in this setting. Methods: Twenty-one near term fetal lambs were evenly divided into 4 groups: group I comprised sham-operated controls; group II had TO alone; and groups III and IV underwent TO and intratracheal infusion of equal amounts of either saline or 25% albumin, respectively. Approximately 2 weeks thereafter, their lungs were examined by detailed alveolar and capillary morphometry before birth. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (P < .05). Results: Total alveolar and capillary numbers, as well as total alveolar surface area, were significantly higher in group IV and lower in group I compared with all other groups, with no differences between groups II and III. Alveolar capillary load was normal in all groups. Conclusions: Intrapulmonary delivery of concentrated albumin safely enhances short-term alveolar and capillary hyperplasia in a late gestational model of fetal TO. This therapeutic concept may allow for TO to be effective and predictable when performed late in gestation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1214-1218 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of pediatric surgery |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Albumin
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
- Fetal lung liquid
- Fetal surgery
- Fetal tracheal occlusion
- Fetus
- Lung development
- Lung morphometrics
- Pulmonary hypoplasia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Surgery