PEDIATRICS Vol. 31 No. 3 March 1963, pp. 374-381
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PLASMA ADRENALINE AND NORADRENALINE IN THE NEONATAL PERIOD, AND INFANTS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME AND PLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY

Donald B. Cheek M.D., D.Sc.1, Malvina Malinek B.Sc1, and J. M. Fraillon M.B., B.S.1

1 The Research Foundation, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, and The Royal Women's Hospital

The fluorometric method of Weil-Malherbe and Bone was used to investigate plasma catecholamine levels in the neonatal period. Full-term normal infants were found to have plasma adrenaline levels of 0.35 ± 0.64 µg/l and noradrenaline levels of 2.39 ± 2.69 µg/l. Premature infants had plasma adrenaline levels of 0.86 ± 1.21 µg/l and noradrenaline levels of 3.24 ± 2.03 µg/l. Twelve premature infants with the respiratory distress syndrome showed a significant and fourfold increase in adrenaline concentration and a nonsignificant increase in the level of noradrenaline. In seven infants with placental insufficiency and postmaturity there was a significant and eightfold increase in adrenaline. The importance of these findings is discussed, particularly with respect to hypoxia.

Submitted on August 14, 1962
Accepted on September 26, 1962