Dynamics of the fetal adrenal, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B responses to antenatal betamethasone therapy
Article Abstract:
Betamethasone treatment of fetuses before preterm delivery may speed up lung maturation by increasing levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Researchers analyzed the umbilical cord blood of 136 preterm infants treated before birth with betamethasone and of 308 preterm infants who had not received treatment. Blood samples from infants treated with betamethasone contained reduced levels of steroids produced by the fetal adrenal glands for four days after treatment. Levels of cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were much higher than normal three to four days after treatment, indicating that adrenal steroids regulate levels of cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. Infants delivered more than one week after betamethasone treatment had higher than normal cholesterol levels but not apolipoprotein B levels.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Leptin concentrations in maternal serum and cord blood in diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancy
Article Abstract:
The hormone leptin appears to be involved in the growth of an unborn baby, according to a study of 110 women. The amount of leptin in the baby's umbilical cord was linked to birth weight and body size. Leptin was first discovered in fat cells, and it was thought to be related to food intake and obesity.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2003
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Modifiable risk factors for growth restriction in twin pregnancies
Article Abstract:
A study is undertaken to evaluate modifiable risk factors for adverse fetal growth in twin pregnancies. Tobacco abuse and weight gain are the modifiable risk factors, which require intervention during a twin pregnancy.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2005
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: General internal medicine and general internists: recognizing a national need. United we stand
- Abstracts: Industry doom overstated? Cholesterol drugs tied to cancer in rats; link questioned
- Abstracts: A medical disaster reponse to reduce immediate mortality after an earthquake. Implications of hospital evacuation after the Northridge, California, earthquake
- Abstracts: Incidence of end-stage renal disease in patients with type 1 diabetes. Isolated pancreas transplantation for type 1 diabetes: a doctor's dilemma
- Abstracts: Deadly souvenir. 'It's about having a vision and providing leadership