Response to glucagon in small-for-dates hypoglycaemic newborn infants

Abstract

More than 100 leucocytes/pl urine were found in 3-3% of the normal urine specimens and in 5 of the 8 bacteriuric samples; one urine specimen with true bacteriuria contained less than 10 leucocytes/,ul.We conclude that, in the circumstances of this study, the proportion of false negative results is too high to justify the use of Uriglox for screening babies for bacteriuria. The low incidence of bacteriuria in the newborn group studied is also worthy of further comment.Response to glucagon in small-for-dates hypoglycaemic newborn infants. lysis, lipolysis, and may induce and activate ratelimiting steps in gluconeogenesis. These functions suggest that this hormone is relevant to the homeostasis of the newborn. Until now, methods for PG measurement have been too crude to evaluate its role in this age group.A sensitive immunoassay for PG has been developed. The design of the assay follows the principles suggested by Albano and Ekins (1970). Using 100 ,ul plasma it can detect changes of 25 pg/ml within 95% confidence limits. Cross-reaction with glucagon of gut origin is avoided by the use of a specific antiserum. PG was measured in maternal and cord blood in over 80 deliveries. Labour caused a rise in maternal PG. In 50 normal deliveries the mean difference between maternal and cord values was not significant. In 20 deliveries with evident fetal distress (scalp pH <7.20) the mean cord value was significantly greater than the maternal level.At 2 hours after delivery the peripheral venous PG of premature and small-for-dates infants showed a significant rise over the cord value. The rise in normal term infants was less significant. All infants had higher levels at 2 hours than their mothers.This study indicates that the infant is capable of autonomous PG production at delivery. There is no evidence of impaired secretion in very premature infants or in SFD infants. PG appears to be produced in response to the metabolic demands of fetal distress.