Do duration of gestation and mode of delivery affect the genes of transepithelial sodium transport in pulmonary adaptation?
In late preterm and early term infants, low expression of ENaC and SGK1 may parallel insufficient lung liquid clearance predisposing to respiratory distress. Lower SGK1 expression after term CD could translate into insufficient sodium and lung liquid absorption. The findings demonstrate a central role for cortisol in regulation of ENaC and potentially perinatal sodium and lung liquid clearance.
Infants managed with Doppler velocimetry had higher hematocrit and less need for neonatal transfusion, suggesting that this non-invasive method of monitoring fetal anemia may best preserve the neonate.