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Cardiorespiratory Depression and Plasma β-Endorphin Levels in Low-Birth-Weight Infants During the First Day of Life
Shumel Davidson, MD;
Irit Gil-Ad, MSc;
Hana Rogovin;
Zvi Laron, MD;
Salomon H. Reisner, MB, ChB
Am J Dis Child. 1987;141(2):145-148.
Abstract
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Twenty-nine premature infants were studied to determine whether neonatal asphyxia, apnea, and low blood pressure in the first day of life are associated with elevated plasma β-endorphin concentrations. Plasma β-endorphin levels Were determined at 0.5 to 2,4 to 6, and 18 to 24 hours of life, using radioimmunoassay. Premature infants with moderate or severe asphyxia (n=19) had higher levels at 0.5 to 2 hours of age (32.1 ±6.7 vs 16.4±7.4 pmol/L) and significantly higher levels at 4 to 6 hours of age (50.4±10.0 vs 22.9±9.2 pmol/L) compared with the ten nonasphyxiated premature infants. A significant elevation in levels at age 0.5 to 2 hours (39.4±9.9 vs 17.7±4.4 pmol/L) and age 4 to 6 hours (59.3 ±13.8 vs 27.1 ±17.1 pmol/L) was observed in premature infants with low blood pressure or impaired perfusion (n=12) who required the administration of volume expanders. No differences Were observed in premature infants with anwithout apnea. It may be speculated that the increased endogenous release of β-endorphins in response to perinatal asphyxia may play a role in the pathogenesis of shock observed in the first day of life.
(AJDC 1987;141:145-148)
Author Affiliations
From the Neonatal Department (Drs Davidson, Rogovin, and Reisner) and the Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology (Mrs Gil-Ad and Dr Laron), Beilinson Medical Center, and the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, petah-Tiqva, Israel.
Footnotes
Accepted for publication Aug 4, 1986.
Reprint requests to Neonatal Department, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva 49 100, Israel (Dr Davidson).
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