Increased circulating cytokeratin 19 fragment levels in preterm neonates receiving mechanical ventilation are associated with poor outcome

Invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen toxicity are postnatal contributors to chronic lung disease of prematurity, also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Cyfra 21-1 is a soluble fragment of cytokeratin 19, which belongs to the cytoskeleton stabilizing epithelial intermediate filaments. As a biomarker of structural integrity, Cyfra 21-1 might be associated with airway injury and lung hypoplasia in neonates. Serum Cyfra 21-1...