Abstract
The effects of dexamethasone therapy on calcium homeostasis and bone growth were evaluated in 49 infants (24 placebo and 25 dexamethasone) who participated in a double-blind trial of early dexamethasone therapy for the prevention of chronic lung disease. Dexamethasone (0.25 mg kg-1 b.i.d. on d 1-7; mg kg-1 b.i.d. on d 8-14; 0.05 mg kg-1 b.i.d. on d 15-21; 0.02 mg kg- 1 b.i.d. on d 22-28) or saline placebo was given i.v. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the corresponding urinary excretion of calcium (FE(Ca)) and phosphorus (FE(p)) were measured on d 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 after starting the study. Radiographic evaluations of bone growth were also evaluated. Infants in the dexamethasone group had significantly higher PTH on d 2 (p < 0.01), 7 and 14 (p < 0.05) than infants in the placebo group. The dexamethasone-treated infants also had significantly higher FE(p) on d 2, 7 and 14 (p < 0.05) and lower FE(Ca) on d 7 and 14 (p < 0.05) than control infants. There was no significant difference between the groups in bone growth during the study. It was concluded that early dexamethasone therapy causes a transient elevation in PTH without apparent change in bone growth. The long-term effect remains to be evaluated further.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1061-1065 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 28 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Calcium homeostasis dexamethasone
- Parathyroid hormone
- Preterm infant
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health