Plasma prolactin and clinical outcome in preterm infants

Article Abstract:

The pituitary hormone prolactin stimulates the development of the breasts and the formation of milk during pregnancy, and also has other actions in both humans and animals. Recent studies suggest that prolactin may also be important in the development of the lungs and digestive tract of the infant during late pregnancy and the period shortly after birth. The blood level of prolactin was measured in 280 infants born before full term. Blood prolactin was higher in girls, with the differences between the sexes becoming larger after the third week of life. In addition, the blood levels of prolactin were higher in children of mothers with pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Infants who were fed with donor breast milk or standard formula had higher blood levels of prolactin than infants fed a preterm formula enriched with protein, calories and minerals. Low levels of prolactin were associated with a prolonged need for assistance in breathing, an increase in the number of days to reach full feeding requirements, and a decrease in linear (length) growth. These results suggest that birth before full term interrupts the normal pattern of prolactin release. In addition, infants with low prolactin levels have a higher risk of unfavorable outcome. These findings are relevant to the issue of whether preterm infants may require multiple endocrine replacement treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Infants (Premature), Premature infants, Prolactin

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Comforters and night waking

Article Abstract:

Sleep disturbance in infants is a common source of distress, both to the infant and the parents. In a study of 320 low birthweight babies, it was concluded that those babies who used a pacifier or comforter such as a soft object, or who sucked their thumbs or fingers, were significantly less likely (nine percent of the time) to wake than those children who used no comforter or who used a dummy (29 percent). The babies who used a soft object woke four percent of the time. Those who used a dummy were as likely to awaken as those who used no comforter. Of the sample studied, 23 percent awoke and needed parental attention, while 77 percent did not disturb their parents. The authors speculate that the children who did not wake their parents were able to soothe themselves with the comforter; it may be, however, that children who use comforters are intrinsically less likely to wake at night. It is concluded that in many cases the use of a comforter will reduce the incidents of sleep disturbance. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Research, Children, Demographic aspects, Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight, Sleep, Wakefulness, Pacifiers (Infant care), Pacifiers (Baby supplies), Thumb sucking

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