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Review
. 2008 Mar-Apr;37(2):158-64.
doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2008.00216.x.

Developmental origins theory from prematurity to adult disease

Mary C Sullivan  1 , Katheleen Hawes, Suzy Barcelos Winchester, Robin J Miller
Affiliations
Review

Developmental origins theory from prematurity to adult disease

Mary C Sullivan et al. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2008 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Developmental Origins Theory has received little coverage in the nursing literature, even though it has received much attention in other sciences. The theory proposes that prenatal stress provokes adaptive changes in endocrine and metabolic processes that become permanently programmed and impact later adult health. This paper reviews the theory and describes the primary neuroendocrine mechanism of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Supporting research evidence in preterm infant and adult samples is presented. Through knowledge of the theory and the long-term sequelae for preterm infants, nurses will have a different theoretical perspective and growing evidence to consider in their care for pregnant women and infants.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and response to stress. Note. HPA = hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; CNS = central nervous system.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cumulative sources of allostatic load.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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