title: Adrenocortical responsiveness in neonates weaned from the ventilator with dexamethasone.
abstract: Adrenocortical responsiveness was assessed in eight very low birthweight neonates who had bronchopulmonary dysplasia and had been weaned from mechanical ventilation using dexamethasone. Three of the eight infants did not respond to ACTH stimulation during the first week after cessation of dexamethasone, but all three responded normally when retested at least 1 month later. The present authors have thus demonstrated that some infants have at least temporary adrenocortical unresponsiveness after prolonged courses of glucocorticoid therapy, and suggest that adrenocortical function should be assessed in all infants who are weaned from mechanical ventilation using dexamethasone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rack
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silink
mesh_terms: D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000628:therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012121:Respiration, Artificial
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone