title: Developmental origins theory from prematurity to adult disease.
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.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. mcsullivan@uri.edu
authors.forename: Mary C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Katheleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hawes
authors.forename: Suzy Barcelos
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Winchester
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D047109:Fetal Development; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008954:Models, Biological; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone