IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS IN NEWBORNS WITH BIRTH-RELATED BRAIN INJURY

Abstract

The development of criteria for assessing the morphofunctional status of the adrenal glands during the early period of birth-related brain injury is of considerable importance for evaluating the evolving pathomorphological changes. Such criteria, based on retrospective analysis, may enable prospective prediction of disease progression and contribute to the prevention of anticipated severe complications. Accordingly, when major tissue damage and hemorrhages predominate in birth-related brain injury and cerebral edema develops, a marked increase in glucocorticoid production by the adrenal glands may occur. The severity of adrenal involvement is considered highest when microscopic foci of hemorrhage are detected in two or more areas of both the adrenal cortex and medulla.