Antenatal glucocorticoids modulate the amplitude of pulsatile cortisol secretion in premature neonates.

We hypothesized that antenatal exposure to glucocorticoids influences subsequent pulsatile cortisol (F) secretion in premature neonates. To test this hypothesis, blood was sampled for plasma F determination via indwelling arterial lines at 15-min intervals for 6 h in 26 clinically stable neonates whose gestational ages were 25-33 wk. Deconvolution analysis was used to characterize F secretion and elimination.

Survey of the definition and screening of neonatal hypoglycaemia in Australia.

Objective: To determine the approach to identifying neonatal hypoglycaemia and the definition of neonatal hypoglycaemia used by neonatal paediatricians in Australian Level 3 neonatal intensive care units (NICU).

Methodology: A questionnaire was sent to the 101 neonatal paediatricians in the 22 Level 3 NICU in Australia asking their method of screening for, and definition of, neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Results: Responses were received from 70 neonatal paediatricians, including all 22 directors.