Predictors of AVP and TSH levels and the timing of first voiding in the newborn

Delivery factors and neonatal thyroid hormone levels: a systematic review

Postnatal thyroid hormone changes enable the neonate to be adapted for postnatal life. Several factors can affect this adaption. In this review, we summarized the studies that reported the association among the delivery factors and neonatal thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to March 2020, to identify the studies investigating the relationship between delivery factors, especially the mode of delivery and labor pain, and neonatal thyroid hormones and TSH. Finally, in this review study, of 157 articles obtained in the initial search, 25 eligible studies were reviewed. Various maternal, fetal/neonatal, and obstetric factors affected neonatal TSH and thyroid hormones. Among various influencing factors, mode of delivery, labor pains, and duration of labor have a strong relationship with neonatal thyroid hormones and need to be considered for interpretation of neonatal thyroid status. The majority of the studies revealed that vaginal deliveries (instrumental or natural) lead to higher levels of cord TSH compared to elective cesarean section. This can be explained by the increased secretion of catecholamine during labor. It has been suggested that blood TSH and thyroid hormone levels are affected by perinatal stress events such as maternal anxiety, labor pains, fetal distress, and other stimulants of the catecholamine response. These changes may act as the trigger to increase thyroid hormone levels for adapting of neonates in the first hours after birth. This assumption needs to be re-evaluated by performing comprehensive and well-designed studies.

Arginine Vasopressin and Copeptin in Perinatology

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) plays a major role in the homeostasis of fluid balance, vascular tonus, and the regulation of the endocrine stress response. The measurement of AVP levels is difficult due to its short half-life and laborious method of detection. Copeptin is a more stable peptide derived from the same precursor molecule, is released in an equimolar ratio to AVP, and has a very similar response to osmotic, hemodynamic, and stress-related stimuli. In fact, copeptin has been propagated as surrogate marker to indirectly determine circulating AVP concentrations in various conditions. Here, we present an overview of the current knowledge on AVP and copeptin in perinatology with a particular focus on the baby's transition from placenta to lung breathing. We performed a systematic review of the literature on fetal stress hormone levels, including norepinephrine, cortisol, AVP, and copeptin, in regard to birth stress. Finally, diagnostic and therapeutic options for copeptin measurement and AVP functions are discussed.

Decreased free water clearance is associated with worse respiratory outcomes in premature infants

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to elucidate predictors of decreased free water clearance (DFWC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. We hypothesized that DFWC and fluid retention are linked to the severity of pulmonary problems and prolonged respiratory support, especially to nCPAP treatment.

METHODS

The investigation was carried out at Tampere University Hospital between 2001 and 2006. The study population comprised 74 VLBW infants born at 29.21 (24.57-34.14) weeks of gestation. Median birth weight was 1175 (575-1490) grams. We measured plasma and urine osmolality and 24-hour urine volume to calculate free water clearance (FWC) for each infant. If FWC was less than 30 ml/kg/day the infant was classified as having DFWC.

RESULTS

There were 38 (51.4%) infants with DFWC in the study population. The median duration of the observed DFT period was 14 (4-44) days. The gestational age at birth was lower for DFWC infants compared to infants with normal FWC (NFWC), 28.29 (24.57-32.86) vs. 30.00 (25.57-34.14) weeks (p = 0.001). DFWC infants also needed longer ventilator treatment, 2 (0-23) vs. 0.50 (0-23) days (p = 0.046), nCPAP treatment 30 (0-100) vs. 3 (0-41) days (p<0.0001) and longer oxygen supplementation 47 (0-163) vs. 22 (0-74) days (p = 0.011) than NFWC infants. All values presented here are medians with ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

DFWC appears to be frequently connected with exacerbation and prolongation of pulmonary problems in VLBW infants. Cautious fluid administration seems to be indicated in VLBW infants with prolonged respiratory problems and DFWC.

Predictors of delayed first voiding in newborn

AIM

Delay>24 h of age in neonates' first voiding attracts attention, although the phenomenon is usually benign. Earlier studies indicate that stress increases the infant's arginine vasopressin (AVP) and aldosterone secretion during birth. Our aim was to seek predictors of delayed first voiding and indirect evidence of AVP effect behind this phenomenon.

METHODS

The study population comprised 20 normal-term newborns whose first voiding was delayed>24 h of age (cases), and 19 age-matched control infants who voided for the first time at <24 h of age (controls). The first urine was collected and osmolality (U-Osm) and sodium content (U-Na) measured.

RESULTS

The median of U-osm in cases was 432.50 (284-519) and in controls 337.50 (169-497) mOsm/L (p=0.005), and U-Na 21.50 (9-241) and 40.00 (13-226) mmol/L (p=0.001), respectively. Cases were more frequently born to primiparous mothers than controls (70% vs. 21%, p=0.004). Duration of labour was longer in cases than controls, first stage 10.5 h (3.92-20.50 h) versus 5.7 h (1.17-16.00 h) (p=0.045) and second stage 0.42 h (0.08-1.25 h) versus 0.17 h (0.08-0.92 h) (p=0.015). All seven (35%) abnormal cardiotocographies were recorded with cases (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed voiding appears to be related to a prolonged and stressful birth. Laboratory findings in the first urine suggest increased AVP and aldosterone secretion in such cases.