Hormone Modeling in Preterm Neonates: Establishment of Pituitary and Steroid Hormone Reference Intervals

Abstract

This report provides the first characterization of serum steroids measured by mass spectrometry in preterm neonates, with the additional characterization of 3 pituitary hormones in infants born at ≤32 weeks' gestation. Use of these data allows for correct interpretation of results for very preterm neonates and reduces the risk of incorrect diagnosis due to misinterpretation of data.

Menstrual Bleeding as a Manifestation of Mini-Puberty of Infancy in Severe Prematurity

“…Given the large interindividual variability in hormonal values and differences in assays with published literature norms, 9,11 we cannot draw any conclusions about the magnitude of the FSH surge in these 2 infants based solely on their gonadotropin levels. Similarly, normative data for serum estradiol concentrations are limited to 6 weeks of life in females born preterm 10 and are not applicable to our patients, who presented later on in life.…”

“…A potential mechanism for this may involve the exaggerated FSH surge that has been described in preterm girls. 6,7,9,11 FSH is known to stimulate the growth and recruitment of immature ovarian follicles, which mature and start producing significant amounts of estrogen. 3 As suggested by Kuiri-Hänninen et al, the strong FSH surge in preterm girls likely contributes to the elevated estradiol levels in this population, 4,7 and in certain cases, such as those reported here, may eventually lead to endometrial maturation and menstrual bleeding.…”

Multiplexed steroid profiling of gluco- and mineralocorticoids pathways using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method

“…This overestimation should not only be attributed to a lack of specificity of the antibody by cross-reactivity, but also to potential miscalibration resulting from differences in calibrator design and biological matrix of calibrators. This broad variability observed between methods may complicate the follow-up of patients between laboratories and requires the use of specific reference interval values for each method [28,29].…”

IFN type I and II induce BAFF secretion from human decidual stromal cells

“…Decidualization was assessed by prolactin secretion. The measurement of prolactin was performed in the laboratory of Clinical Chemistry at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital using the routine accredited method electrogenerated chemiluminescence33.…”