Dexamethasone associated systemic hypertension in low birth weight babies with chronic lung disease.
To assess the role of dexamethasone treatment as a cause of systemic hypertension and associated complications, blood pressure was registered prospectively before, during and after a 4-week dexamethasone course in 22 neonates with chronic lung disease. In all patients systolic blood pressure rose significantly during treatment (median rise 34 mm Hg, range 4-->59 mm Hg), without complications attributable to hypertension. In all but one patient blood pressure returned to pretreatment values within 2 weeks after stopping dexamethasone treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Dexamethasone induced hypertension is transient, even after a 4-week course, and is not associated with hypertensive complications, so treatment is not necessary. When hypertension persists after dexamethasone withdrawal other causes should be considered.
Smets
K
K
University Children's Hospital, C. Hooft, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ghent, Belgium.
Vanhaesebrouck
P
P
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone