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Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(8): 473-477
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994430
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Evaluation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Premature Infants Treated with Dexamethasone

Arie L. Alkalay, Alan H. Klein, Ronald A. Nagel, Jeffrey J. Pomerance
  • Divisions of Neonatology and Endocrinology, Ahmanson Pediatric Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and University of California at Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Results of a national survey of the current use of steroids in newborns in 1993 showed that 95% of the neonatologists in the United States have used dexamethasone for neonates at risk for chronic lung disease. Dexamethasone therapy for a period of a week or longer is associated with suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) in a substantial number of premature infants. A review of our current understanding of the biochemical tests evaluating HPAA function in premature infants and suggested guidelines for HPAA evaluation and management following dexamethasone therapy are presented.

Keywords

Dexamethasone - hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis