Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Persistent high activity of the fetal adrenal cortex in preterm infants: is there a clinical significance?

Matthias Heckmann1, Michaela F Hartmann, Birgit Kampschulte

  • 1Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany. Matthias.Heckmann@paediat.med.uni-giessen.de

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|January 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Fetal adrenal steroid excretion is higher than previously thought in preterm infants. Despite higher levels in males, these steroids do not significantly impact respiratory distress syndrome incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Endocrinology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Fetal adrenal cortex activity persists until term in preterm infants.
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate may inhibit surfactant synthesis.
  • Male preterm infants have a higher incidence of pulmonary disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the link between fetal zone steroid excretion and lung disease severity in preterm infants, considering gender differences.
  • Investigate the role of 3beta-OH-5-ene-steroids in neonatal respiratory outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed 24-hour urinary samples from 61 preterm infants (<30 weeks gestational age).
  • Quantified 3beta-OH-5-ene-steroids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
  • Correlated steroid excretion rates with respiratory distress syndrome incidence.

Main Results:

  • Urinary fetal zone steroid excretion rates were 4-fold higher than previously reported.
  • Male preterm infants showed significantly higher steroid excretion on day 2 (p=0.03) and a trend on day 3.
  • No significant association was found between maximum fetal zone steroid excretion or gender and respiratory distress syndrome incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants exhibit sustained high activity of the fetal adrenal zone.
  • While male infants excrete more fetal zone steroids, this does not significantly influence respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Further research may clarify the specific roles of fetal steroids in neonatal lung development.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol19:32

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol

Published on: February 18, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.