title: Respiratory status and diuresis following treatment with dexamethasone.
abstract: The effect of dexamethasone therapy on fluid balance, lung function and requirement for respiratory support has been assessed. Ten premature infants were studied, they had a median gestational age of 28 weeks. None of the infants had any improvement in the respiratory status for 48 h prior to commencing dexamethasone. Fluid balance, pulmonary function and requirement for respiratory support were measured 12 h prior to and for 36 h after receiving dexamethasone. There were no significant changes in fluid input over the study period, but urine output increased significantly after 12 h of dexamethasone therapy (P < 0.02). Compliance of the respiratory system only significantly improved after 36 h of dexamethasone therapy (P < 0.03), this was associated with a significant change in the inspired oxygen concentration (P < 0.05). We conclude that the improvement in respiratory status resulting from dexamethasone therapy is preceded by a diuresis.
authors: Department of Child Health, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Greenough
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Chan
authors: E F
authors: EF
authors: Emery
authors: H R
authors: HR
authors: Gamsu
mesh_terms: D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics; D003907:Dexamethasone