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Changes of serum gonadotropin concentrations in premature babies submitted to phototherapy
Insights
Phototherapy treatment for jaundice in premature infants may transiently elevate gonadotropin levels, particularly in females. This study observed significant increases in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in treated female infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Phototherapy Research
Background:
- Jaundice is common in premature infants.
- Phototherapy is a standard treatment for neonatal jaundice.
- Potential endocrine effects of phototherapy are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of phototherapy on plasma gonadotropin levels in premature infants.
- To compare hormonal changes in infants treated with phototherapy versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 8 premature infants treated with phototherapy and 6 control infants.
- Measurement of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
- Hormonal assessments conducted during the third and fourth weeks of life.
Main Results:
- Phototherapy-treated females showed significant simultaneous increases in LH and FSH.
- Treated males exhibited a significant increase in LH, but not FSH.
- The observed gonadotropin elevation was transient and more pronounced in females.
Conclusions:
- Phototherapy may cause a transient elevation in gonadotropin levels in jaundiced premature newborns, especially females.
- The exact mechanism involving the retina, pineal gland, and hypothalamus remains unclear.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathways affected by phototherapy.
Abstract:
In order to determine if phototherapy was influencing any change in plasma gonadotropin levels, we have compared a group of 8 premature infants (4 males and 4 females) who have been treated with phototherapy because of jaundice, to a control group of 6 premature infants who did not require phototherapy. During the third and fourth week of life, luteinizing hormone (LH) and folicule stimulating hormone (FSH), increased simultaneously in a significant range in phototherapy treated females. In the group of treated males, LH but not FSH increased significantly. Constant phototherapy and/or the sudden stopping of the treatment in the jaundiced premature newborn female is responsible for a marked and transient elevation of gonadotropins. A clear mechanism of the observed phenomenon with pathways including the retina, pineal gland and hypothalamus, is not apparent.