The influence of intensive care treatment in infancy on cortisol levels in childhood and adolescence.

Background: Infants admitted to the intensive care unit experience numerous early-life stressors, which may have long-term effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning.

Aims: To determine the effects of intensive care treatment and related exposure to stress, pain, and opioids in infancy on cortisol levels in childhood and adolescence.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.