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The Development of Circadian Rhythms in Human Infants

The Development of Circadian Rhythms in Human Infants

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enquiry with regards to development <strong>in</strong> the postnatal period. Are the physiological<br />

changes <strong>in</strong> the postnatal period also consistently ordered and irreversible? Why do<br />

they not occur simultaneously? What determ<strong>in</strong>es their order? Can the speed <strong>of</strong> change<br />

be altered or entra<strong>in</strong>ed by changes <strong>in</strong> rout<strong>in</strong>e, feed<strong>in</strong>g, light<strong>in</strong>g etc? What are the<br />

implications for programm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> adult disease, future morbidity and mortality? Who<br />

is more vulnerable and why? What is the relationship between immature physiological<br />

state and social deprivation? How is this relationship, if present, mediated? Is it<br />

connected with ‟chaotic‟ lifestyles, nutrition or exposure to tobacco smoke?<br />

As a priority it would be <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to further explore the follow<strong>in</strong>g -<br />

� <strong>The</strong> physiological systems <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>fants known to be delayed <strong>in</strong> maturation e.g.<br />

IUGR, Tw<strong>in</strong>s, deprived groups, ethnic m<strong>in</strong>ority comparisons, premature <strong>in</strong>fants,<br />

<strong>in</strong>fants at risk <strong>of</strong> developmental disability/SIDS.<br />

Future work might <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />

� Ref<strong>in</strong>ement <strong>of</strong> def<strong>in</strong>ition <strong>of</strong> maturity <strong>of</strong> circadian rhythms <strong>in</strong> melaton<strong>in</strong> and<br />

cortisol secretion, with possible collection <strong>of</strong> data for lept<strong>in</strong>, ghrel<strong>in</strong>, growth<br />

hormone which also have robust circadian rhythms<br />

� <strong>Development</strong> <strong>of</strong> potential markers <strong>of</strong> at risk <strong>in</strong>fants for common <strong>in</strong>fant<br />

morbidities and who are at risk <strong>of</strong> mortality (e.g. develop fetal HRV doppler<br />

flow studies <strong>in</strong>utero; buccal swab measurements <strong>of</strong> melaton<strong>in</strong>/cortisol/other<br />

hormones <strong>of</strong> growth factors/ peripheral gene cycles).<br />

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