title: A pig model of the preterm neonate: anthropometric and physiological characteristics.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pig provides a relevant model for the study of human preterm physiology and for investigation of novel therapies to improve outcomes.
authors.affiliation: UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. y.eiby@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Yvonne A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Eiby
authors.forename: Layne L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Viskasari P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Kalanjati
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Stella T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Bjorkman
authors.forename: Helen L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Keates
authors.forename: Eugenie R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Lumbers
authors.forename: Paul B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Colditz
authors.forename: Barbara E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Lingwood
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development; D000886:Anthropometry; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids