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Premature birth: topics in physiology and pharmacological characteristics

Joice Silva Machado1, Trícia Silva Ferreira1, Raquel Cristina Gomes Lima1,2

  • 1Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia - Vitória da Conquista (BA), Brasil.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|June 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Premature newborns exhibit unique physiological and pharmacological challenges due to incomplete maturation. Evidence-based clinical practice is crucial for managing these complex developmental changes in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Premature infants are born before completing essential maturation processes, particularly in late pregnancy.
  • This developmental stage leads to distinct physiological characteristics and vulnerabilities in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review physiological and pharmacological alterations associated with prematurity.
  • To support and advance evidence-based clinical practices for preterm infant care.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review methodology was employed.
  • Literature search conducted on ScienceDirect and Medline (PubMed) for articles published between January 2000 and February 2020, irrespective of language.

Main Results:

  • Key physiological peculiarities include disruptions in glucose regulation, adrenal function, thermoregulation, and immunity.
  • Altered liver, renal, and respiratory functions are observed in premature neonates.
  • Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations are critical in the pharmacological management of these infants.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advancements, prematurity remains an area with significant uncertainties and research challenges, including ethical considerations.
  • Therapeutic management of premature infants heavily relies on current clinical practice due to ongoing research complexities.
Abstract

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