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Growth hormone and cortisol in neonates during phototherapy

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Abstract

In 22 neonates plasma growth hormone (GH) and cortisol concentrations were measured during phototherapy which was administered because of hyperbilirubinemia. These values were compared to the hormone levels before and after therapy and to control values taken from healthy nursery infants. Phototherapy significantly increased GH concentrations to 195%±108 (SD) (healthy control group=100%). Cortisol was not found to be augmented. There was no correlation between GH and cortisol, nor between bilirubin and GH or cortisol. The mechanisms by which phototherapy induces GH increase are not evident. However, this may be due to constant covering of the eyes, deprivation of the day-night rhythm, or other environmental alterations that are brought about by incubator care.

Zusammenfassung

Bei 22 Neugeborenen, die wegen Hyperbilirubinämie eine Phototherapie erhielten, wurden Wachstumshormon (GH) und Cortisol im Plasma bestimmt. Die gemessenen Werte wurden verglichen mit den Hormonkonzentrationen vor und nach der Behandlung und mit Werten gesunder Neugeborener. GH stieg während der Therapie auf 195%±108 (SD) (Kontrollgruppe=100%) an. Der Unterschied ist hoch signifikant. Die Cortisolwerte waren nicht erhöht. Es bestand keine Korrelation zwischen GH und Cortisol oder zwischen Bilirubin und GH oder Cortisol. Die Gründe für den GH-Anstieg sind nicht offensichtlich. Das Abdecken der Augen, die Aufhebung des Tag-Nacht-Rhythmus oder Veränderungen im Zusammenhang mit der Inkubatorpflege könnten diese Wirkung erklären.

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This study was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Mu 254/5).

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Mühlendahl, K.E.v., Ballowitz, L. Growth hormone and cortisol in neonates during phototherapy. Z. Kinder-Heilk. 119, 53–58 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00464696

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