Related Experiment Videos
Neonatal catecholamine levels and neurodevelopmental outcome: a cohort study.
D J Evans1, R J MacGregor, H G Dean
1Centre for Reproduction, Growth and Development, University of Leeds, D Floor Clarendon Wing, General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NS, UK. evans_d@southmead.swest.nhs.uk
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|December 23, 2000
Summary
Neonatal plasma noradrenaline levels may indicate risk for death or disability in preterm infants. However, these levels do not predict later motor or cognitive impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Biomarker research
- Pediatric outcomes
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care outcomes remain a significant concern.
- Identifying early predictive markers for adverse outcomes in preterm infants is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neonatal plasma catecholamine concentrations can predict death, disability, and later neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants.
- To assess the predictive value of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) levels.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 136 preterm infants from randomized controlled trials was studied.
- Plasma catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) were measured on the first and second day of life.
- Motor and cognitive abilities were assessed at 5-6 years of age.
Main Results:
- Higher plasma noradrenaline levels on day two were significantly associated with death and disability.
- Noradrenaline levels above 9.0 nmol/l showed predictive value for death and death plus disability.
- No correlation was found between neonatal catecholamine levels and cognitive or motor impairment at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Elevated neonatal noradrenaline is linked to adverse outcomes in preterm infants.
- The predictive power of noradrenaline for death or disability is limited.
- Neonatal catecholamine levels do not predict long-term motor or cognitive deficits.