A Pig Model of the Preterm Neonate: Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics

作者：Eiby Yvonne A^*; Wright Layne L; Kalanjati Viskasari P; Miller Stephanie M; Bjorkman Stella T; Keates Helen L; Lumbers Eugenie R; Colditz Paul B; Lingwood Barbara E

来源：PLos One, 2013, 8(7): e68763.

DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0068763

Background: Large animal models are an essential tool in the development of rationally-based new clinical therapies for preterm infants. We provide a description of the newborn pig as a model of the preterm neonate in terms of growth parameters, physiology and the requirement for intensive care over a range of gestational ages. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: Twenty-nine litters of piglets (n = 298) were delivered by caesarean section at six timepoints during gestation from 91d to 113d (term = 115d). Two groups, at 91 and 97d gestation, also received maternal glucocorticoid treatment. At four of these timepoints, piglets (n = 79) were ventilated, sedated and monitored using standard neonatal intensive care techniques for up to 8 h in various experimental protocols. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: Body weight increased from mean 697 g (SD 193) at 91d gestation to 1331 g (SD 368) at 113d gestation. Piglets delivered at 97d gestation were able to be resuscitated and kept alive for at least 8 h on respiratory support after surfactant administration. Maternal glucocorticoid treatment 48 h and 24 h hours prior to delivery reduced the requirement for ventilator support and improved cardiovascular stability. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusion: The pig provides a relevant model for the study of human preterm physiology and for investigation of novel therapies to improve outcomes.

• 出版日期2013-7-9