FUT 2 polymorphism and outcome in very-low-birth-weight infants

Background: To determine whether the secretor gene fucosyltransferase (FUT)2 polymorphism G428A is predictive for adverse outcomes in a large cohort of very-low-birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 2,406 VLBW infants from the population-based multicenter cohort of the German Neonatal network cohort (2009–2011). The secretor genotype (rs601338) was assessed from DNA samples extracted from buccal swabs. Primary study outcomes were clinical sepsis, blood-culture confirmed sepsis, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or focal intestinal perforation requiring surgery, and death. Results: Based on the assumption of a recessive genetic model, AA individuals had a higher incidence of ICH (AA: 19.0% vs. GG/AG: 14.9%, P = 0.04) which was not significant in the additive genetic model (multivariable logistic regression analysis; allele carriers: 365 cases, 1,685 controls; OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.99–1.4; P = 0.06). Other outcomes were not influenced by FUT2 genotype in either genetic model. Conclusion: This large-scale multicenter study did not confirm previously reported associations between FUT2 genotype and adverse outcomes in preterm infants.