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Plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations in ill newborn infants.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels are higher in ill preterm infants and healthy preterm infants compared to healthy term infants. Very ill infants showed levels similar to congenital adrenal hyperplasia, highlighting the impact of illness and prematurity on steroid levels.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal endocrinology
- Pediatric steroid metabolism
Background:
- Plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a key steroid hormone.
- Elevated 17-OHP can indicate adrenal dysfunction in newborns.
- Factors like prematurity and illness can influence neonatal steroid levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations in ill preterm and term infants.
- To compare these levels with those in healthy term infants.
- To assess the influence of illness and gestational age on 17-OHP levels.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 47 ill preterm and term infants.
- Samples were also collected from 53 healthy term infants.
- Plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma 17-OHP was higher in ill term and healthy preterm infants versus healthy term infants.
- Ill preterm infants exhibited the highest plasma 17-OHP values.
- Some critically ill infants had 17-OHP levels nearing those of untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age and illness-related stress significantly impact plasma steroid measurements in newborns.
- Elevated 17-OHP in ill neonates may not always indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
- Clinical interpretation requires consideration of infant's health status and gestational age.