Presented at the Neonatal Society Spring Meeting 2019.
Authors: Stoye DQ1, Andrew R1, Boardman JP1, Buss C2, Entringer S2, Wadhwa PD2, Keenan-Devlin L3, Borders A3, Reynolds RM1
Institution(s)
1University of Edinburgh, UK 2University of California, Irvine, USA 3University of Chicago, USA
Introduction
Glucocorticoids play a critical role in directing fetal maturation. High levels of maternal cortisol, measured in serum or saliva, are associated with offspring growth restriction and adverse neurodevelopment1. After release from the adrenal gland most cortisol is metabolised and excreted in urine. We hypothesised that variation in this peripheral metabolism and excretion influences maternal serum cortisol levels, and fetal growth.
Methods
151 women with mean age 30.5 ± SD 5.0 years and BMI 27.6 ±.7.1 kg/m2, performed
Results
During the 3rd

Table 1. 1 p≤ 0.05, 2 p≤ 0.01 Adjusted model variables: Gestation urine samples collected, ethnicity, smoking, maternal age, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, maternal BMI, parity
Conclusions
Reduced maternal urinary glucocorticoid excretion was associated with both increased serum cortisol levels and reduced offspring birthweight. Variation in peripheral metabolism and clearance of cortisol from maternal peripheral tissues may serve as a novel mechanism influencing fetal glucocorticoid exposure and somatic growth.
References
- Duthie L, Reynolds RM. Changes in the maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in pregnancy and postpartum: influences on maternal and fetal outcomes. Neuroendocrinology. 2013;98(2):106-15.
Senior author supporting presentation on day of meeting: Professor James Boardman
Corresponding author e-mail address: david.stoye@ed.ac.uk