0000000000803450
AUTHOR
P. Emmrich
Reduction of mortality rate in premature infants by substitution of thyroid hormones.
Our previous examinations had shown that 9 of 13 premature infants with severe respiratory distress had hypothyroid T4-values. On the basis of these results a prospective study was initiated. Every second neonate born after less than 37 weeks gestation or weighing less than 2200 g and admitted to our intensive care unit since Janary 1979 received a prophylactic dose of 25 μg l-Thyroxine and 5 μg Tri-iodothyronine daily. Five of the patients inadvertently did not receive the drug and were included in the non-treated group which thus numbered 55. Both groups were nearly identical with regard to gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score. In the treated group of 45 infants three (=6.6%) die…
Studies on the kinetics and renal excretion of low and high molecular weight dextrans in preterm babies, newborns and young infants.
Administration of low and high molecular weight dextrans in the initial phase of shock is no longer controversial. The special conditions in newborns, however, have been insufficiently considered in planning therapy. This investigation aimed at determining the biological half-lives of dextran 40 (Rheomacrodex®) and dextran 60 (Macrodex®) in this age group. The half-life of dextran 40 was found to be 60 min and that of dextran 60 3 h. Preterm babies and newborns excrete up to 25% less dextran 40 and 60 in 24 h than infants and adults. Normal adult values for excretion are only reached towards the end of the first year of life.