[Behavior of the somatotropic hormone during neonatal exchange transfusion]

Plasma growth hormone values in newborns subjected to exsanguinotransfusion for haemolytic disease were compared with those in a sample group of neonates with physiological icterus. Basal HGH values in infants with EF were significantly higher than those noted in the controls, whereas blood sugar values were within the limits of normal. These results suggest that enhanced HGH secretion attributable to the stress of exsanguinotransfusion is accompanied by direct stimulation of hypothalamic cells producing GH releasing factor on the part of bilirubin.