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Inappropriate secretion of umbilical plasma catecholamines in preterm compared to term neonates
K O Schwab1, B Breitung, H B von Stockhausen
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Würzburg, Bavaria, Fed. Rep. of Germany.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Preterm newborns have lower catecholamine levels due to reduced secretion, impacting their adaptation. This study analyzed catecholamines in umbilical cord blood of preterm and term infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Catecholamines are crucial for neonatal adaptation at birth.
- Understanding catecholamine secretion and degradation is vital for preterm infant care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare free and sulfoconjugated catecholamine levels (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine) in preterm and term neonates.
- To investigate the relationship between catecholamine levels, gestational age, birth parameters, and blood gas levels.
- To determine factors influencing catecholamine levels, such as secretion, degradation, and placental transfer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of free and sulfoconjugated catecholamines in umbilical artery and vein blood.
- Utilized a sensitive radioenzymatic assay for free catecholamines.
- Employed arylsulfatase type VI for sulfoconjugated catecholamine analysis.
Main Results:
- Preterm neonates exhibited significantly lower free catecholamine levels compared to term neonates.
- Adrenaline levels correlated with gestational age, birth weight, and length in preterm infants.
- Placental extraction rates for adrenaline and noradrenaline were lower in preterm infants, suggesting reduced secretion as the primary cause for lower levels.
Conclusions:
- Lower catecholamine levels in preterm infants stem from diminished secretion, not increased degradation.
- These lower levels may contribute to surfactant deficiency and postnatal adaptation issues like hypoglycemia and hypothermia in preterm neonates.