title: Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in premature neonates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dexamethasone is frequently used in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, however little is known about its disposition in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in 9 premature neonates with a mean gestational age of 27.3 weeks and a postnatal age of 21.8 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a strong relationship between clearance (4.96 ml.min-1.kg-1) and gestational age ( r = 0.884). Pharmacokinetic parameters were grouped based on a gestational age of less than 27 weeks (Group I) and greater than 27 weeks (Group II). Mean clearance in group I and group II was 1.69 and 7,57 ml.min-1.kg-1, respectively. Mean distribution volume in group I and II was 1.26 and 2.19 l.kg-1, respectively. No significant relationships were noted between the disposition of dexamethasone and ventilator requirements or adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in premature neonates was related to gestational age.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lugo
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Nahata
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Menke
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: McClead
mesh_terms: D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005865:Gestational Age; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D012044:Regression Analysis
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone