The billion dollar question – Brief Article
“The ultimate question may be, “Is any very preterm infant normal?’ Human development is slow relative to that of other species. The homeostatic physiologic adaptations are essential for survival of the preterm infant. The preterm infant is exposed for many weeks to high cortisol and thyroid hormone levels after preterm birth. (1) In experimental models these hormones disrupt normal development.”
REFERENCE
(1.) Burrow GN, Fisher DA, Larsen PR. Maternal and fetal thyroid function. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:1072-1078
ADDITIONAL READING
Jobe AH. Predictors of outcomes in preterm infants–which ones and when? J Pediatr. 2001;138:153-156
Submitted by Student
COPYRIGHT 2002 American Academy of Pediatrics
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
