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Published on: August 7, 2017
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and the cellular immune response in former preterm children
A Buske-Kirschbaum1, S Krieger, C Wilkes
1Department of Biopsychology, Technical University of Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany. buske@biopsych.tu-dresden.de
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Preterm birth may impact children's stress response and immune function. Former preterm children showed higher morning cortisol and a weaker immune response, suggesting long-term effects into childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Developmental Psychology
- Immunology
Background:
- Adverse early life experiences can impact later endocrine and immune system functioning.
- Preterm delivery is a significant early life event with potential long-term health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of preterm delivery on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning.
- To assess heart rate responses and immune function in children born preterm compared to full-term controls.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 18 former preterm children and 18 matched full-term controls (aged 8-14 years).
- Assessed endocrine function via salivary cortisol measurements (stress response, morning levels, diurnal profile).
- Measured immune function using a delayed type hypersensitivity skin test and heart rate response to a laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test for Children).
Main Results:
- While both groups showed increased cortisol and heart rate during the stress test, no significant differences were found between groups in acute stress response or diurnal cortisol patterns.
- Former preterm children exhibited significantly higher cortisol levels upon awakening.
- A significantly suppressed delayed type hypersensitivity response was observed in former preterm children.
Conclusions:
- Preterm delivery is associated with alterations in endocrine function, specifically elevated morning cortisol levels.
- Children born preterm may have impaired immune function, indicated by a reduced delayed type hypersensitivity response.
- These findings suggest that preterm birth can lead to lasting changes in endocrine and immune system regulation extending into childhood.
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