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Biomedical subjects

E Halberstadt

Publications and source records attributed to E Halberstadt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Heroin abuse and methadone substitution in pregnancy].

The pre- and postnatal data of 20 pregnant heroin addicts and their neonates are described. 16 women were treated with methadone to prevent withdrawal symptoms. A relatively stabile prenatal condition with a decrease of complications was achieved. On the other hand, the neonates suffered from severe withdrawal symptoms including seizures in spite of intensive paediatric care and prophylactic treatment with barbiturates. After a mean follow-up of one to two years a relatively good neurological development of the children was observed.

Asphyxia Neonatorum

[Alpha-MSH and pregnancy].

In 32 pregnant women, we repeatedly determined the levels of alpha-MSH, melatonin, ACTH and progesterone. In the radioimmunoassay, all of these hormones showed a significant increase from the first to the third trimester. In contrast to progesterone, neither the level of alpha-MSH nor that of melatonin rises significantly until between the 28th and 36th week of pregnancy. The authors suggest that the increasing pigmentation may be due to the rising levels of alpha-MSH, while the preferential hyperpigmentation of sexual areas in additionally mediated by sex hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

[Biochemical maturation of organs in the foetus and its induction (author's transl)].

Several biophysical and biochemical changes are prerequisites for the adaptation of the newborn to extrauterine life. Enzyme induction is the mechanism on which this adaptation of metabolism is based. The theoretical fundamentals of enzyme induction are presented, and the perinatal origin of enzymes explained by means of the example of PEP carboxykinase. Among the mose frequent disturbances of the maturing of organs are hyperbilirubinaemias and the respiratory distress syndrome of newborn. The biochemical and physical concepts underlying these disease pattens are explained, and possibilities of enzyme induction and hence acceleration of maturity are shown. On the grounds of clinical experience, enzyme induction appears to be safely established as a membrane prophylaxis.

Adaptation, Physiological