Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in preterm infants treated with dexamethasone.
Steroid therapy has been widely used in neonates for its beneficial effects. Adverse side-effects have been described, also affecting the cardiovascular system. We report two cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in two preterm newborns secondary to dexamethasone treatment. Full recovery occurred after discontinuing steroids. Risk/benefit ratios must be carefully considered before using steroids in the neonatal period.


CONCLUSIONS
Serial echocardiographic evaluations should be performed to evaluate prevalence and clinical relevance of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in preterm infants treated with dexamethasone.
Miranda-Mallea
J
J
Department of Paediatrics, La Fe Childrens Hospital, Valencia, Spain.
Pérez-Verdú
J
J
Gascó-Lacalle
B
B
Sáez-Palacios
J M
JM
Fernández-Gilino
C
C
Izquierdo-Macián
I
I
D002312:Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone