Pepsin, a Marker of Gastric Contents, Is Increased in Tracheal Aspirates From Preterm Infants Who Develop Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

The concentration of pepsin was increased in the tracheal aspirate of preterm infants who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia or died before 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Recovery of pepsin in tracheal aspirate samples is secondary to gastric aspiration, not by hematogenous spread or local synthesis in the lungs. Chronic aspiration of gastric contents may contribute in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.