Plasma catecholamine levels in preterm infants. Effect of birth asphyxia and Apgar score.

Catecholamine levels were measured in cord arterial blood from preterm infants. Relatively lower catecholamine levels were found in the preterm infants than in term infants, although no significant correlation was found between noradrenaline and adrenaline levels and either gestational age or birthweight. Significantly higher catecholamine levels were found after labour. Preterm females had significantly higher catecholamine levels than boys after asphyxia and tended also to have higher catecholamine levels without asphyxia, although not significant. Catecholamine levels were also significantly elevated in those infants with a low Apgar score (less than 7 at 5 min) and those who were acidotic (cord arterial pH less than 7.25). A good correlation was found between a low Apgar score and the presence of acidosis.