Endocrine Disorders in the Sick and Preterm Newborn

Abstract

Endocrine disorders develop commonly in preterm neonates and critically ill neonates. Preterm newborns have im- mature endocrine system as well as immature organs. Their adaptation to extrauterine life might be more challeng- ing and more unfavorable. The most common endocrine disorders in the sick and preterm newborn are thyroid disorders, hypocalcemia, adrenal insufficiency and disorders of glucose metabolism. To detect the endocrine pro- blems appropriately and to find best approaches to them, pediatric neonatologists and endocrinologists should be well aware of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics and effective management of common endocrine disorders in the sick and preterm newborns. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Endocrinol 2011;16:73-79)