Urinary formaldehydogenic steroid excretions were measured in eight premature infants without recognized disease for varying periods up to 2 months of age. A balance study for Na, K and N was carried out in one infant.Urinary formaldehydogenic steroid excretion did not change measurably during the first 10 days of life, and was not significantly different from adult normal values when compared on a surface area basis. Calculations from the data of other investigators indicate that infant values are from 1 to 5 times those of adults when compared by surface area.Urinary formaldehydogenic steroid excretions rose significantly with age when the entire period of study for all infants was included. This rise occurred during the period of fetal cortical involution and is evidence that the fetal zone is not an important source of formaldehydogenic steroids.The nitrogen and electrolyte balance study revealed a loss of K in the first 2 days of life which was disproportionately greater than the loss of N during the postnatal fasting period. The formaldehydogenic steroid excretion did not change measurably at this time, so that the study does not support the concept of changed adrenal function as a cause for this K/N disproportion. The electrolyte-regulating hormones can, however, vary independently of other adrenal functions. Acute inanition in the neonatal period of fasting is suggested as a possible cause for the disproportion.
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