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Postnatal development of plasma prolactin level in premature infants with and without NaCl supplementation
Insights
Prolactin levels are elevated in premature infants. Sodium supplementation helps normalize these prolactin levels, suggesting prolactin plays a role in sodium balance for premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric nephrology
Background:
- Premature infants often experience challenges with sodium balance.
- The role of hormones like prolactin in this adaptation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between prolactin levels and sodium balance in low birth weight, premature infants.
- To determine if sodium supplementation influences prolactin concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Serial plasma prolactin measurements were taken in two groups of premature infants.
- Group I received sodium chloride (NaCl) supplementation, while Group II did not.
- Measurements were conducted from the 7th day of life up to the 5th week.
Main Results:
- Initially, prolactin levels were similarly elevated in both groups before NaCl supplementation.
- Infants receiving NaCl supplementation showed a steady decline in prolactin levels with age.
- Prolactin levels remained significantly higher in the non-supplemented group during weeks 3-5.
Conclusions:
- Physiological sodium depletion may contribute to prolonged hyperprolactinemia in premature infants.
- Prolactin appears to play a role in regulating sodium homeostasis in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
The role of prolactin in the adaptation of premature infants to the alterations of sodium balance was investigated by measuring plasma prolactin levels serially in 7 low birth weight, premature infants with (group I) and without (group II) NaCl supplementation. The study was performed on the 7th day and weekly thereafter until the 5th week of life. NaCl supplementation was given in a dose of 3-5 mEq/kg/day and 1.5-2.5 mEq/kg/day for 8-21 days and 22-35 days, respectively. It was demonstrated that before NaCl supplementation plasma prolactin concentration was similarly elevated in the two groups (6,490 +/- 1,291 mU/l in group I versus 7,661 +/- 1,094 mU/l in group II), and without supplementation it remained at about the same level throughout the study. When supplemental sodium was given, the plasma prolactin level declined with age at a steady rate to the mean value of 3,516 +/- 502 mU/l by the end of 5th week. In the 3rd-5th weeks it proved to be significantly higher in group II than in group I. It is concluded that physiological sodium depletion may account for the prolonged hyperprolactinemia and prolactin might have some importance in the control of sodium homeostasis in low birth weight, premature infants.