title: Hydrocortisone therapy in meconium aspiration syndrome: a controlled study.
abstract: To evaluate the efficacy of glucocorticoids in the treatment of infants with meconium aspiration syndrome, a double-blind study using hydrocortisone or a lactose placebo was undertaken. Thirty-five infants were included in the study. No significant differences in arterial Po2, Pco2, pH, A-aDo2 gradients, in requirement for assisted ventilation, or in survival were domonstrated between the groups. In control infants, a significant decrease (p less than 0.01) in respiratory distress score was found at 48 to 72 hours of age; in treated infants, it was seen only after 72 hours. The infants in the treated group took a significantly longer (p less than 0.01) period of time to wean to room air than those in the control group (68.9 +/- 9.6 hours vs 36.6 +/- 6.9 hours). On the basis of these observations, hydrocortisone is not recommended for treatment of MAS.
mesh_terms: D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008470:Meconium; D010919:Placebos; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000188:drug therapy; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D006854:Hydrocortisone