[Changes in various parameters of humoral immunity and the sympathetico-adrenal system in newborn infants after transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in premature labor].

Transcutaneous electric neurostimulation (TENS) as a mode of reflex therapy acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary control via the neuromediator system to modulate the activity of endocrine glands, metabolism and the immune status. Immunoglobulin and catecholamine levels and the activity of tumor necrosis factor have been assayed in umbilical blood sera of 25 preterm newborns who were delivered using TENS (n = 10) and spontaneously (n = 15). Comparison of clinical data and the findings of catecholamine and immune factor assays suggested that TENS in premature delivery improved fetal and neonatal adaptations to perinatal stresses and infection.