Abstract
Terbutaline (T) a β2-sympathomimetic, has been extensively used; as a tocolytic agent in premature labor. To assess the influence of fetal β2-sympathomimetic stimulation upon glycemic (G) and calcemic (Ca) status, we compared the offspring of 12 women who had received T with 12 age and weight-matched infants of untreated mothers. Umbilical cord serum cortisol (F), insulin (I), growth hormone (GH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT) and glucagon (GLC) were measured by RIA. Mean GA at onset of T was 30.7 wks; 69% were treated for less than 48 hrs. Mean time from last dose of T was 6.7 hours. Age, weight and hormone data are listed below; means (±SE) do not differ.
At 24 hours, serum Ca was lower (p<0.02) in T- treated (7.4±0.3) than in control babies (8.5±0.3). Previously reported β2-agonistinduced neonatal hypoglycemia was not demonstrated, presumably prevented by glucose infusions. In conclusion: 1) Differences did not exist in cord glucose, calcium and hormone levels. 2) T-treated offspring showed significant lowering of postnatal Ca, possibly due to exaggerated neonatal hypoparathyroidism secondary to adrenergic stimulation of maternal parathyroid glands.
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Green-Abate, C., Reiter, E. & Shah, B. 1227 ENDOCRINE STUDIES IN OFFSPRING OF TERBUTALINE-TREATED MOTHERS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 647 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01253
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01253