Tracheal aspirate VEGF and sphingolipid metabolites in the preterm infant with later development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Airway VEGF and sphingolipid metabolites were distinctly elevated within the first days of postnatal life in preterm infants with later BPD progression. These biomarkers may be useful as indicators of lung injury development or as targets to decrease BPD risk.