DETERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLASMA CORTICOTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE AND FOETAL DEVELOPMENT DURING NORMAL PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background: Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and subsequent increase in Cortisol during pregnancy may have adverse effects on foetal development. This study is carried out to determine the relation of CRH level on foetal development during normal pregnancy. Method: This prospective study was done in the department of physiology and clinical lab of Isra University Hyderabad. 50 cases of normal, singleton uterine pregnancy were selected in their 31–34 weeks of gestation. Blood sample was taken and level of CRH was determined by Elisa method by specific kit. The subjects were followed till delivery. At the time of delivery foetal assessment was done by APGAR score and Ballard maturity chart. Results: Mean CRH value in all subjects was 50.03±9.33 ηg/ml. The mean APGAR score in the same subjects was 7.60±0.49. Mean Ballard score in all subjects was 41.70±3.13. Mean Neuromuscular maturity score in the same subjects was 19.51±3.23 and the mean physical maturity score was 22.86±1.56. CRH level revealed a significant negative correlation with mean Ballard score, neuromuscular maturity score and physical maturity score. CRH value did not show any significant correlation with APGAR score. Conclusion: It is concluded that high levels of CRH have negative impact on foetal development both physical and neuromuscular.