465 CORTISOL LEVELS AND SKIN FOLD THICKNESS IN BPD

Abstract

Some babies with BPD, a chronic disease causing significant metabolic stress, have been noted to take on a cushingoid appearance. We postulated that this appearance is a result of stress induced elevated cortisol levels and altered body fat distribution (central/peripheral skin fold thickness). 29 infants were prospectively studied with 8am serum cortisol levels between days 4 to 10 (wk 1) and during weeks 4 and 6. Subscapular, periumbilical, and triceps skin fold measurements (SCF, POT1, and TF) were taken at wks 4 and 6. Central to peripheral fold ratios (SCF/TF and PUF/TF) were calculated. At wk 6, the patients were divided into 4 groups. Gr 1, (N=7) “well infants”, ↑F1O2 <24hrs; Gr 2 (N=2) “non-pulmonary illness”, ↑F1O2 <24hrs + non-pulmonary illness >48 hrs duration; Gr 3 (N=6) “acute pulmonary illness”, ↑F1O2 <2 wks duration, ± other illness; Gr 4 (N=14) BPD, ↑F1O2 >2 wks duration plus xray signs of BPD ± other illness. Data are presented as mean ± S.D.Group 2 does have enough data for statistical analysis.Babies with BPD were compared to all non-BPD babies and groups 1 and 3 alone. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference, p <.05, in cortisol levels or skin fold ratios.