Serum adrenal steroid concentrations in premature infants

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1989 Dec;69(6):1133-6. doi: 10.1210/jcem-69-6-1133.

Abstract

To evaluate serum adrenal steroid concentrations in preterm infants, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, androstenedione, 18-hydroxycorticosterone, and aldosterone values were determined in 9 sick and 13 healthy premature infants. Serum steroid concentrations were compared to previously reported data from healthy full-term infants. 17-OHP, 11-deoxycortisol, and aldosterone values were higher in sick preterm infants than in healthy preterm infants. Compared to healthy full-term infants, the premature infants-had significantly higher 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-OHP, and DHEA sulfate concentrations. Cortisol values were not different between the sick and healthy preterm infants and were similar to full-term values. Aldosterone values were also similar between the premature and the full-term infants. The findings of elevated steroid precursors in preterm infants and low cortisol levels in stressed sick preterm infants may indicate a relative immaturity of adrenal enzyme activity and inadequate adrenal reserve for stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone / blood
  • 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone
  • 18-Hydroxycorticosterone / blood
  • Aldosterone / blood
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Birth Weight
  • Cortodoxone / blood
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / analogs & derivatives
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Hormones / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Hydroxyprogesterones / blood
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / blood*
  • Male
  • Steroids / blood*

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Hydroxyprogesterones
  • Steroids
  • 17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone
  • Androstenedione
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Aldosterone
  • 18-Hydroxycorticosterone
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
  • 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone
  • Cortodoxone
  • Hydrocortisone