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Prolactin and growth hormone in perinatal asphyxia
A Varvarigou1, A G Vagenakis, M Makri
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Patras Medical School, General University Hospital, Greece.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Perinatal asphyxia elevates prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (hGH) in newborns, potentially due to stress. Severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) may damage the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, lowering hGH.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Perinatal asphyxia is a critical condition in newborns.
- The pituitary gland's response to asphyxia requires further investigation.
- Hormonal changes in asphyxiated neonates are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pituitary gland's response to perinatal asphyxia.
- To measure serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (hGH) in asphyxiated and control newborns.
- To compare hormonal levels between preterm and full-term infants.
Main Methods:
- Serum PRL and hGH levels were measured in 55 asphyctic and 35 control newborns.
- Measurements were taken at 2-4, 24, 48, and 98 hours of life.
- Infants were categorized as preterm or full-term, with some full-term infants diagnosed with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Main Results:
- Asphyxiated neonates showed higher PRL levels compared to controls, particularly in full-term infants with HIE.
- Growth hormone (hGH) levels were elevated in asphyxiated neonates compared to controls.
- The lowest hGH concentrations were observed in neonates with severe HIE.
Conclusions:
- Elevated PRL and hGH in asphyxia may indicate a stress response.
- Severe HIE might lead to hypothalamic-pituitary axis damage, resulting in significantly reduced hGH.
- Pituitary hormone assessment is crucial for understanding the impact of perinatal asphyxia.