Abstract
Neonatal interrelationships of F, DHAS and E3 in cord blood in reference to gestational age and mode of delivery were examined. Cord serum steriods were determined by radioimmunoassay in 275 vaginally delivered infants (30-42 wks gestation) and 20 C-section infants (36-42 wks). In the vaginally born group mean E3 1832±744 (SD) ng/ml of 36-42 wks infants was higher than 1276±460 of 30-35 wks infants. (t, p<0.005). The corresponding DHAS levels were 2301±737ng/ml and 2216±781 respectively (p>.05); F levels were 153±67ng/ml and 123±55 respectively (p>.05). F and DHAS levels were higher in vaginally born than C-section infants, (p<0.005), but not for E3. In each group, F, DHAS and E3 levels were similar regardless of spontaneous onset or absence of labor. Thus, after 35 wks gestation, fetal serum estriol levels increase without corresponding increase in DHAS; fetal cortisol and DHAS are increased with vaginal delivery. We speculate that after 35 wks the fetal adrenal gland increases its production of DHAS which is efficiently coverted to estriol by the placenta; the acute stress of vaginal delivery increases fetal cortisol as well as DHAS production.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Noguchi, A., Turnipseed, M., Bentley, K. et al. 319 UMBILICAL SERUM CORTISOL (F), DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE (DHAS) AND TOTAL ESTRIOL (E3) LEVELS IN PREMATURE AND FULL TERM INFANTS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 417 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00324
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00324
