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Carter SWD, Fee EL, Usuda H, Oguz G, Ramasamy A, Amin Z, Agnihotri B, Wei Q, Xiawen L, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Ikeda H, Kumagai Y, Saito Y, Saito M, Mattar C, Evans MI, Illanes SE, Jobe AH, Choolani M, Kemp MW. Antenatal steroids elicited neurodegenerative-associated transcriptional changes in the hippocampus of preterm fetal sheep independent of lung maturation. BMC Med 2024; 22:338. [PMID: 39183288 PMCID: PMC11346182 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03542-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal steroid therapy for fetal lung maturation is routinely administered to women at risk of preterm delivery. There is strong evidence to demonstrate benefit from antenatal steroids in terms of survival and respiratory disease, notably in infants delivered at or below 32 weeks' gestation. However, dosing remains unoptimized and lung benefits are highly variable. Current treatment regimens generate high-concentration, pulsatile fetal steroid exposures now associated with increased risk of childhood neurodevelopmental diseases. We hypothesized that damage-associated changes in the fetal hippocampal transcriptome would be independent of preterm lung function. METHODS Date-mated ewes carrying a single fetus at 122 ± 2dGA (term = 150dGA) were randomized into 4 groups: (i) Saline Control Group, 4×2ml maternal saline intramuscular(IM) injections at 12hr intervals (n = 11); or (ii) Dex High Group, 2×12mg maternal IM dexamethasone phosphate injections at 12hr intervals followed by 2×2ml IM saline injections at 12hr intervals (n = 12; representing a clinical regimen used in Singapore); or (iii) Dex Low Group, 4×1.5mg maternal IM dexamethasone phosphate injections 12hr intervals (n = 12); or (iv) Beta-Acetate Group, 1×0.125mg/kg maternal IM betamethasone acetate injection followed by 3×2ml IM sterile normal saline injections 12hr intervals (n = 8). Lambs were surgically delivered 48hr after first maternal injection at 122-125dGA, ventilated for 30min to establish lung function, and euthanised for necropsy and tissue collection. RESULTS Preterm lambs from the Dex Low and Beta-Acetate Groups had statistically and biologically significant lung function improvements (measured by gas exchange, lung compliance). Compared to the Saline Control Group, hippocampal transcriptomic data identified 879 differentially significant expressed genes (at least 1.5-fold change and FDR < 5%) in the steroid-treated groups. Pulsatile dexamethasone-only exposed groups (Dex High and Dex Low) had three common positively enriched differentially expressed pathways related in part to neurodegeneration ("Prion Disease", "Alzheimer's Disease", "Arachidonic Acid metabolism"). Adverse changes were independent of respiratory function during ventilation. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that exposure to antenatal steroid therapy is an independent cause of damage- associated transcriptomic changes in the brain of preterm, fetal sheep. These data highlight an urgent need for careful reconsideration and balancing of how antenatal steroids are used, both for patient selection and dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W D Carter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Gokce Oguz
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore, 138632, Republic of Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore, 138632, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zubair Amin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neonatology Khoo Teck Puat, National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Biswas Agnihotri
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neonatology Khoo Teck Puat, National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Liu Xiawen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ikeda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yusaku Kumagai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuya Saito
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Citra Mattar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Mark I Evans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sebastián E Illanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Reproductive Biology Program, Center for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Centre for Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
- Women and Infants Research Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia
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Usuda H, Fee EL, Carter S, Furfaro L, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Newnham JP, Milad MA, Saito M, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Low-dose antenatal betamethasone treatment achieves preterm lung maturation equivalent to that of the World Health Organization dexamethasone regimen but with reduced endocrine disruption in a sheep model of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:903.e1-903.e16. [PMID: 35792176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intramuscular administration of antenatal steroids to women at risk of preterm delivery achieves high maternal and fetal plasma steroid concentrations, which are associated with adverse effects and may reduce treatment efficacy. We have demonstrated that antenatal steroid efficacy is independent of peak maternofetal steroid levels once exposure is maintained above a low threshold. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test, using a sheep model of pregnancy, whether the low-dose antenatal steroid regimen proposed as part of the Antenatal Corticosteroids for Improving Outcomes in Preterm Newborns trial would achieve preterm lung maturation equivalent to that of the existing World Health Organization dexamethasone treatment regimen, but with reduced risk of adverse outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Following ethical review and approval, date-mated ewes with single fetuses received intramuscular injections of either (1) four 6-mg maternal intramuscular injections of dexamethasone phosphate every 12 hours (n=22), (2) 4 2-mg maternal intramuscular injections of betamethasone phosphate every 12 hours (n=21), or (3) 4 2-mL maternal intramuscular injections of saline every 12 hours (n=16). Of note, 48 hours after first injection, (124±1 day), lambs were delivered, ventilated for 30 minutes, and euthanized for sampling. Arterial blood gas, respiratory, hematological, and biochemical data were analyzed for between-group differences with analysis of variance according to distribution and variance, with P<.05 taken as significant. RESULTS After 30 minutes of ventilation, lambs from both steroid-treated groups had significant and equivalent improvements in lung function relative to saline control (P<.05). There was no significant difference in arterial blood pH, pO2, pCO2, lung compliance, ventilator efficiency index, or lung volume at necropsy with a static pressure of 40 cmH2O. The messenger RNA expression of surfactant protein (Sp)a, Spb, Spc, Spd, aquaporin (Aqp)1, Aqp5, and sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit beta (Scnn1b) was equivalent between both steroid groups. Maternal and fetal plasma neutrophil, glucose, and fetal plasma C-peptide levels were significantly elevated in the dexamethasone group, relative to the betamethasone group. Fetal plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 was significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group compared with the betamethasone group (P<0.05). Fetal adrenocorticotropic hormone (r=0.53), maternal glucose value (r=-0.52), and fetal glucose values (r=-0.42) were correlated with maternal weight in the betamethasone group (P<.05), whereas fetal pCO2 and pO2 were not correlated. There was no significant difference between male and female lamb outcomes in any groups for any of the items evaluated. CONCLUSION This study reported that in preterm lambs, a low-dose treatment regimen of 8 mg betamethasone achieves lung maturation equivalent to that of a 24-mg dexamethasone-based regimen, but with smaller perturbations to the maternofetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. These data suggested that given steroid pharmacokinetic differences between sheep and humans, a betamethasone dose of 2 mg may remain above the minimum dose necessary for robust maturation of the preterm lung. Maternal weight-adjusted betamethasone doses might also be a key to reducing perturbations to the maternofetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark A Milad
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, MI
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati Medical School, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore.
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Cayupe B, Troncoso B, Morgan C, Sáez-Briones P, Sotomayor-Zárate R, Constandil L, Hernández A, Morselli E, Barra R. The Role of the Paraventricular-Coerulear Network on the Programming of Hypertension by Prenatal Undernutrition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911965. [PMID: 36233268 PMCID: PMC9569920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial etiological component in fetal programming is early nutrition. Indeed, early undernutrition may cause a chronic increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart failure. In this regard, current evidence has sustained several pathological mechanisms involving changes in central and peripheral targets. In the present review, we summarize the neuroendocrine and neuroplastic modifications that underlie maladaptive mechanisms related to chronic hypertension programming after early undernutrition. First, we analyzed the role of glucocorticoids on the mechanism of long-term programming of hypertension. Secondly, we discussed the pathological plastic changes at the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus that contribute to the development of chronic hypertension in animal models of prenatal undernutrition, dissecting the neural network that reciprocally communicates this nucleus with the locus coeruleus. Finally, we propose an integrated and updated view of the main neuroendocrine and central circuital alterations that support the occurrence of chronic increases of blood pressure in prenatally undernourished animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardita Cayupe
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Blanca Troncoso
- Escuela de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Carlos Morgan
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología y Comportamiento, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Patricio Sáez-Briones
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología y Comportamiento, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica y Neurofarmacología, Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Luis Constandil
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Alejandro Hernández
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510157, Chile
| | - Rafael Barra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170020, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-983831083
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Tomotaki S, Iwanaga K, Hanaoka S, Tomotaki H, Matsukura T, Niwa F, Kawai M. Antenatal Glucocorticoids Reduce the Incidence of Refractory Hypotension in Low Birthweight Infants during the Early Neonatal Period, but Do Not Affect It beyond This Time. Am J Perinatol 2021; 38:1057-1061. [PMID: 32069485 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1701608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to clarify the effect of antenatal glucocorticoids (AGs) on the incidence of refractory hypotension (RH) in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants after the first week of life. STUDY DESIGN We included VLBW infants born at a gestational age of <30 weeks and divided them into three groups: the complete group (born within 7 days of completing a single course [two doses] of AGs), the incomplete group (born without complete course), and the late delivery group (born at ≥8 days after a single course). We compared the incidence and period of onset of RH among the three groups. RESULTS A total of 115 infants were enrolled. The incidence of RH in the first week of life was significantly lower in the complete group than in the other groups. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of RH after the first week of life among the groups. CONCLUSION AGs contribute to circulatory stabilization during the first week of life, but this effect does not last after 1 or 2 weeks of administration. In infants who receive AGs, physicians should consider that the risk of RH after the first week of life is not low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichi Tomotaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kougoro Iwanaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hanaoka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tomotaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsukura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fusako Niwa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kawai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Marinelli KC, Lyden ER, Peeples ES. Clinical risk factors for the development of late-onset circulatory collapse in premature infants. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:968-973. [PMID: 32492694 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-0990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants may be at risk for late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) where otherwise stable infants develop hypotension resistant to vasoactive agents. The risk factors for LCC development are poorly defined, and it has been theorized that it may be in part due to withdrawal from exogenous prenatal steroids. The goal of this study was to define the clinical characteristics of LCC and investigate its association with antenatal steroid administration. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of infants born ≤1500 g. LCC was retrospectively diagnosed in infants requiring glucocorticoids for circulatory instability at >1 week of life. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS Three hundred and ten infants were included; 19 (6.1%) developed LCC. Infants with LCC were born at a median 4.6 weeks' lower gestation, 509 g lower birth weight than those without LCC. There was no difference in antenatal steroid delivery between the groups. CONCLUSIONS LCC occurs in a distinct subset of VLBW infants, suggesting the need for monitoring in this high-risk population. Antenatal steroids did not significantly increase the risk of LCC development in this study. IMPACT Late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is a life-threatening clinical entity occurring in around 6% in VLBW infants and is likely underdiagnosed in the United States. Targeting specific demographic characteristics such as birth weight (<1000 g) and gestational age at birth (<26 weeks) may allow for early identification of high-risk infants, allowing close monitoring and prompt treatment of LCC. No significant association was found between antenatal steroid administration and LCC development, suggesting that the theoretical risks of antenatal steroids on the fetal HPA axis does not outweigh the benefits of antenatal steroids in fetal lung maturity. To date, no studies characterizing LCC have originated outside of Asia. Therefore, providing a description of LCC in a U.S.-based cohort will provide insight into both its prevalence and presentation to inform clinicians about this potentially devastating disorder and foster early diagnosis and treatment. This study validates LCC characteristics and prevalence previously outlined by Asian studies in a single-center U.S.-based cohort while also identifying potential risk factors for LCC development. This manuscript will provide education for U.S. physicians about the risk factors and clinical presentation of LCC to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, potentially decreasing neonatal mortality. With prompt recognition and treatment of LCC, infants may have decreased exposure to vasoactive medications that have significant systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth R Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Eric S Peeples
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Arima M, Fujii Y, Sonoda KH. Translational Research in Retinopathy of Prematurity: From Bedside to Bench and Back Again. J Clin Med 2021; 10:331. [PMID: 33477419 PMCID: PMC7830975 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vascular proliferative disease affecting preterm infants, is a leading cause of childhood blindness. Various studies have investigated the pathogenesis of ROP. Clinical experience indicates that oxygen levels are strongly correlated with ROP development, which led to the development of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) as an animal model of ROP. OIR has been used extensively to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ROP and to evaluate the efficacy of new drug candidates. Large clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents to treat ROP, and anti-VEGF therapy is presently becoming the first-line treatment worldwide. Anti-VEGF therapy has advantages over conventional treatments, including being minimally invasive with a low risk of refractive error. However, long-term safety concerns and the risk of late recurrence limit this treatment. There is an unmet medical need for novel ROP therapies, which need to be addressed by safe and minimally invasive therapies. The recent progress in biotechnology has contributed greatly to translational research. In this review, we outline how basic ROP research has evolved with clinical experience and the subsequent emergence of new drugs. We discuss previous and ongoing trials and present the candidate molecules expected to become novel targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Arima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan; (Y.F.); (K.-H.S.)
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan
| | - Yuya Fujii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan; (Y.F.); (K.-H.S.)
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan; (Y.F.); (K.-H.S.)
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Niwa F, Kawai M, Kanazawa H, Okanoya K, Myowa M. The development of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis during infancy may be affected by antenatal glucocorticoid therapy. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2020; 13:55-61. [PMID: 31609703 DOI: 10.3233/npm-180040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during infancy have been reported in term infants, but those in preterm infants have yet to be elucidated. If developmental changes in the HPA axis of preterm infants are modulated by any factors, it may affect their future health. Few studies have examined the lasting consequences of antenatal glucocorticoids on the development of the HPA axis. METHODS We measured pre- and post-palivizumab vaccination salivary cortisol values in two conforming periods of three-months intervals during infancy, and compared cortisol values and the response of cortisol secretion between groups with and without antenatal glucocorticoid (AG) therapy. RESULTS Although the strength of the response of cortisol secretion to palivizumab fell age-dependently (until late infancy) in the Non-AG group, the opposite pattern was exhibited in the AG group. The changes of the delta cortisol values between the 2 groups were significant. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the HPA axis of preterm infants whose mothers receive AG therapy may be upregulated during infancy, possibly leading to long lasting health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Niwa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, ERATO Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Japan
| | - M Kawai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - H Kanazawa
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Japan
- Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
| | - K Okanoya
- Joint Research Laboratory for Emotional Information, Riken Brain Science Institute, and Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, ERATO Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Japan
| | - M Myowa
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, ERATO Okanoya Emotional Information Project, Japan
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Japan
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Iijima S. Late-onset glucocorticoid-responsive circulatory collapse in premature infants. Pediatr Neonatol 2019; 60:603-610. [PMID: 31564521 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-onset glucocorticoid-responsive circulatory collapse (LGCC) in infants is characterized by sudden onset of hypotension and/or oliguria, which is resistant to volume expanders and inotropes but responds rapidly to intravenous glucocorticoids. LGCC occurs after the first week of life mainly in relatively stable very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. In Japan, the incidence of LGCC is reported to be 8%. Relative adrenal insufficiency (AI) is considered the most likely cause of LGCC, but its detailed pathophysiology remains unclear. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors may affect the pathophysiological mechanism. LGCC should be recognized as one of the high-risk complications in VLBW infants and managed promptly and properly, because if it is not, it may cause life-long neurological problems. To diagnose relative AI, an accurate evaluation of adrenal function is necessary; however, the interpretation of basal serum cortisol levels is difficult in preterm infants after 7 days of life. To recognize LGCC, it is recommended that blood pressure and urine volume be carefully monitored, even outside of the transitional period. If no underlying causes are documented or volume expansion and inotropic support fail, intravenous hydrocortisone should be initiated, and an additional dose of hydrocortisone is required when the response is inadequate. There are few reports to verify or characterize LGCC and this phenomenon has not been recognized worldwide to date. This review summarizes the current knowledge about LGCC in premature infants and evaluates the most significant new findings regarding its pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan.
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Ueda H, Kakita H, Ichimura S, Mori M, Takeshita S, Goto T, Kondo T, Yamada Y. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone stimulation tests in late-onset circulatory collapse. Pediatr Int 2019; 61:1114-1119. [PMID: 31281996 PMCID: PMC6900133 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is the transient development of refractory hypotension and oliguria after the early neonatal period, which may cause periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the endogenous cortisol response to corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and determine whether it is effective for elucidating the pathology and selecting treatment in LCC. METHODS This retrospective study examined infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Included were preterm (gestational age <34 weeks) infants who underwent CRH stimulation test and were treated for LCC with no obvious cause. Hydrocortisone (HC; 3.3-10 mg/kg) was given by bolus injection to the LCC infants. At 2 h after treatment, infants without a 20% rise in blood pressure (systolic or mean) from before treatment were defined as non-responsive to HC, and given catecholamine and/or vasopressin. RESULTS Sixteen infants (median gestational age, 24 weeks 3 days; birthweight, 638 g) were eligible. Six of the infants had a good response to the CRH stimulation test. HC was effective in only three CRH good-response cases, and catecholamine and/or vasopressin was needed in the three other cases. HC was effective, however, for all CRH non-response cases. CONCLUSIONS Although HC is the first-choice treatment for LCC, the CRH stimulation test facilitates prompt treatment of LCC, which may prevent PVL. The present findings help elucidate the pathology and aid in the selection of treatment for infants with LCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ueda
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kakita
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shintaro Ichimura
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mari Mori
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoru Takeshita
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tatenobu Goto
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Yokkaichi, Mie, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kondo
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Yamada
- Department of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
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Late-Onset Circulatory Collapse and Risk of Cerebral Palsy in Extremely Preterm Infants. J Pediatr 2019; 212:117-123.e4. [PMID: 31229321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the development of postnatal, late-onset refractory hypotension, referred to as late-onset circulatory collapse, was associated with an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy (CP) at 3 years of age in extremely preterm infants. METHODS In this historical cohort study, infants who were born at 22-27 weeks of gestation from 2008 to 2012 in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan were eligible. The study sample consisted of 3474 infants (45.6% of 7613 potentially eligible infants) who were evaluated at 36-42 months of age. Late-onset circulatory collapse was defined as a clinical diagnosis of late-onset circulatory collapse requiring treatment with corticosteroids. We compared the neurodevelopmental outcomes between infants with and without late-onset circulatory collapse. RESULTS Late-onset circulatory collapse was diagnosed in 666 of the infants studied. Infants with late-onset circulatory collapse had a higher incidence of CP than those without late-onset circulatory collapse (18.0% vs 9.8%; P < .01). In multivariable logistic analysis, late-onset circulatory collapse was independently associated with CP (aOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.13-2.04) and developmental quotient score of <50 (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.23-2.72). CONCLUSIONS Late-onset circulatory collapse may be a relatively common event occurring in extremely preterm infants and an independent risk factor for CP at 3 years of age.
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11
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Brar PC. Clinical utility of stimulation tests in infants with suspected adrenal insufficiency (AI). J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2019; 32:529-531. [PMID: 31005951 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2019-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in infants can be difficult. While a low random cortisol can signal AI, often confirmatory tests are required when clinical suspicion is strong but the cortisol levels are equivocal. Several studies have demonstrated that in sick preterm infants, there is relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) defined as an inadequate cortisol production relative to the degree of stress or illness, a condition which can last for several weeks, while in term infants the adrenal axis is mature at birth (Bagnoli F, Mori A, Fommei C, Coriolani G, Badii S, et al. ACTH and cortisol cord plasma concentrations in preterm and term infants. J Perinatol 2013;33:520-4). Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation tests have been validated in infants in several studies. In light of recent reports of false-negative results of stimulation tests, it is imperative to highlight the pitfalls of these tests. The purpose of this communication is to bring attention to the accuracy of timing of these tests in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preneet Cheema Brar
- Hassenfeld Childrens' Hospital, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, New York University School of Medicine, 135 E 31st street, L-2, New York 10016-6402, NY, USA
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12
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Savoy C, Mathewson KJ, Schmidt LA, Morrison KM, Saigal S, Boyle MH, Van Lieshout RJ. Exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia in adult survivors of extremely low birth weight. Int J Neurosci 2019; 129:776-783. [PMID: 30633628 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1567511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose/aim: Antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy has dramatically increased survival rates among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. However, the long-term effects of ACS on autonomic nervous system function have not been explored. Using the world's oldest longitudinally followed cohort of ELBW infants we compared respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) among ELBW survivors whose mothers received ACS (ELBW-S), those who did not (ELBW-NS) and normal birth weight (NBW) controls in their 20 and 30 s. Methods: Resting electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded from ELBW-S (n = 28), ELBW-NS (n = 36), and matched NBW controls (n = 79) at 22-26 and 29-36 years. Resting RSA was compared across groups via analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for sex, medication use, postnatal steroid exposure and the presence of chronic health conditions. RSA was also compared across assessments for each group. Results: At 29-36 years, resting RSA in ELBW-S was significantly lower than in NBW controls. RSA in the ELBW-NS group was intermediate between ELBW-S and NBW groups. Although the ELBW-S group also showed nominally reduced RSA compared to NBW controls at the 22-26-year visit, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: ELBW survivors exposed to ACS had lower RSA than NBW controls during their 30 s, suggestive of a decline in parasympathetic input to heart. ELBW survivors who received ACS may be particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular problems in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calan Savoy
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
| | - Karen J Mathewson
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
| | - Louis A Schmidt
- b Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
| | | | - Saroj Saigal
- c Department of Pediatrics , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
| | - Michael H Boyle
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
| | - Ryan J Van Lieshout
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences , McMaster University , Hamilton , Canada
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Abstract
The soon-to-be-delivered fetus and preterm infant have been treated with glucocorticoids to prepare for postnatal life, historically for more than 40 years. The use of glucocorticoids is as much for replacement of cortisol in the setting of a poorly functioning hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the preterm infant, as it is for prevention of long-term lung dysfunction. Potential negative effects of glucocorticoid treatment on brain development and function have been observed more often with dexamethasone therapy than with use of other glucocorticoids. Overall, glucocorticoid treatment has improved the outcome of the preterm infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Scott
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, 2211 Lomas Boulevard, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Susan R Rose
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, MLC 7012, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Late-onset Circulatory Collapse and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure are Useful Predictors of Treatment-requiring Retinopathy of Prematurity: A 9-year Retrospective Analysis. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28634380 PMCID: PMC5478650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual loss caused by retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) will be prevented if treatment-requiring ROP (TR-ROP) can be predicted. In this retrospective study including 418 infants with ≤32 weeks of gestational age (GA) and/or ≤1500 grams of birthweight, we attempted to identify useful predictors. We also examined the efficiency of significant predictors compared with existing predictive models, ROPScore and CHOP model. Multivariable logistic regression analyses supported the following factors were useful for predicting TR-ROP from all infants and infants with any ROP: GA (odds ratio [OR], 0.47 and 0.48), history of late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) (OR, 2.76 and 2.44) and use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at 35 weeks of postmenstrual age (OR, 3.78 and 4.50). The comparison of areas under receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the combination of LCC, CPAP and ROPScore was better than ROPScore to predict TR-ROP from all infants and infants with any ROP (P = 0.007 and 0.02) and the combination of LCC, CPAP and CHOP model was also better than CHOP model to predict TR-ROP from all infants and infants with any ROP (P = 0.01 and 0.02). Our results suggested infants with a history of LCC and a long CPAP support have a high incidence of TR-ROP.
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15
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Kawai M. Late-onset circulatory collapse of prematurity. Pediatr Int 2017; 59:391-396. [PMID: 28117531 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is a refractory hypotension occurring after the early neonatal period (>day 7), in very low-birthweight infants. Typically, infants stabilized within the early neonatal period develop sudden onset of circulatory collapse after the early neonatal period. The underlying pathophysiology of LCC is considered to be relative adrenal insufficiency, which is well known in Japan, but is not widely accepted in North America or Europe. The current increase in LCC in Japan suggests that the principal trigger is related to recent trends in neonatal medicine and/or newly introduced treatments for preterm infants, but the pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. In this review, based on current knowledge regarding LCC, the pathophysiology is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Kawai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Braun T, Challis JR, Newnham JP, Sloboda DM. Early-life glucocorticoid exposure: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, placental function, and long-term disease risk. Endocr Rev 2013; 34:885-916. [PMID: 23970762 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
An adverse early-life environment is associated with long-term disease consequences. Adversity early in life is hypothesized to elicit developmental adaptations that serve to improve fetal and postnatal survival and prepare the organism for a particular range of postnatal environments. These processes, although adaptive in their nature, may later prove to be maladaptive or disadvantageous if the prenatal and postnatal environments are widely discrepant. The exposure of the fetus to elevated levels of either endogenous or synthetic glucocorticoids is one model of early-life adversity that contributes substantially to the propensity of developing disease. Moreover, early-life glucocorticoid exposure has direct clinical relevance because synthetic glucocorticoids are routinely used in the management of women at risk of early preterm birth. In this regard, reports of adverse events in human newborns have raised concerns about the safety of glucocorticoid treatment; synthetic glucocorticoids have detrimental effects on fetal growth and development, childhood cognition, and long-term behavioral outcomes. Experimental evidence supports a link between prenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids and alterations in fetal development and changes in placental function, and many of these alterations appear to be permanent. Because the placenta is the conduit between the maternal and fetal environments, it is likely that placental function plays a key role in mediating effects of fetal glucocorticoid exposure on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis development and long-term disease risk. Here we review recent insights into how the placenta responds to changes in the intrauterine glucocorticoid environment and discuss possible mechanisms by which the placenta mediates fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal development, metabolism, cardiovascular function, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 4H30A, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1.
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Reynolds RM. Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment for preterm birth: considerations for the developing foetus. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2013; 78:665-6. [PMID: 23067111 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Reynolds
- Endocrinology Unit, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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