All issues > Volume 46(2); 2003

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2003;46(2):183-187. Published online February 15, 2003.

Analysis of Affecting Factors for Cortisol Level in Cord Blood

Hyun Jung HJ Lim¹, Chang Hun CH Song¹, Eun Young EY Kim², Sang Kee SK Park²

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea
²Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea

Correspondence Eun Young EY Kim ,Email: sskey@chosun.ac.kr

Abstract

Purpose
: Long-term stress to the fetus causes alterations in adrenal steroidogenesis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of cord blood cortisol with stress during delivery.
Methods
: Cord blood samples were collected from 58 neonates at once to labor. Cortisol was measured by RIA method(DPC, USA). Cortisol level according to gestational age(<34, 34-37, >38 wks) and method of delivery(Cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery), Apgar score and uterine contraction, were compared to know stress during labor.
Results
: Cortisol of cord blood had considerable differences between each group, according to gestational age(P<0.001). It was statistically higher in the cases of vaginal delivery than cessarian delivery(P<0.001). The concentration of cortisol was significantly higher according to duration of labor (P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between cortisol level and uterine contraction(P<0.05). The concentration of cortisol was significantly low when Apgar score at 1 min was low(P<0.05).
Conclusion
: Cord cortisol has close association with stress during labor. And so do with post birth prognosis of neonate.

Keywords :Cord cortisol, Stress during labor