Effects of dexamethasone on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in preterm infants.

Rizvi, Z B; Aniol, H S; Myers, T F; Zeller, W P; Fisher, S G; Anderson, C L · J Pediatr · 1992

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

The effects of dexamethasone therapy on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis were tested in 10 premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia by means of the corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test before therapy and on the seventh day of therapy. Adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. There was significant suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after 7 days of a currently used dexamethasone treatment regimen. A site of suppression was located at the level of the pituitary gland.

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