AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to examine the pattern of changes in respiratory system mechanics induced by dexamethasone (Dex) in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to determine whether dosages that produce these changes induce adrenal suppression. We examined mechanics in seven ventilator‐dependent premature infants (age, 33 ± 4.8 days) with BPD, before and daily during Dex therapy. Dex (0.5 mg/kg/day) was given intravenously for 7 days unless complications necessitated early termination. Respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and compliance (Crs) were measured by the passive expiratory flow‐volume technique during the course of dexamethasone therapy or until extubation. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were done at baseline and following Dex therapy to evaluate adrenal function. Dex therapy caused a 77 ± 18 increase in Crs (from 0.97 ± 0.09 SEM mL/cmH2O to 1.6 ± 0.16 mL/cmH2O;P0.05). We conclude that correction of abnormalities of compliance is critical to reducing work of breathing and achieving extubation in this population. In the small number of infants we studied, Dex induced this therapeutic response with minimal side effects and no statistically significant chan
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