Fetal cord serum prolactin (PRL) levels in normal and abnormal pregnancies and its relation to development of RDS

Abstract

Lower cord blood serum prolactin levels in fetus is considered as one of the major contributor for the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns considerably in high risk pregnancies. Along with other hormone parameters like estradiol, cortisol, testosterone, thyroid hormones, glucagon and insulin; prolactin PRL is one of the hormone that plays a role in fetal lung maturation. Cord serum prolactin (PRL) was directly proportional to gestational age in normal and abnormal pregnancies, irrespective of their maternal age, parity, socioeconomic status, geographical background and mode of delivery. Women with abnormal (high risk) pregnancies had significantly lower (285.01+/-54.474vs376.34+/-100.309 ng/ml) prolactin level as compared to that with normal pregnancy. Women with lower PRL levels had higher incidence of babies with RDS as compared to women with higher PRL levels. We conclude from our study that low cord blood serum prolactin levels were strongly associated with adverse neonatal outcome.