Neonatology

Original Paper

Postnatal Administration of Dexamethasone for Weaning off the Ventilator Affects Thyroid Function

Buimer M.a · van Wassenaer A.G.b · Kok J.H.b

Author affiliations

Departments of aObstetrics and Gynecology and bNeonatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Keywords: Thyroid hormonesDexamethasone, adverse effectsInfant, newbornInfant, prematurePsychomotor disorders

Related Articles for ""
Neonatology 2008;94:164–169
https://doi.org/10.1159/000143395

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: October 11, 2007
Accepted: December 28, 2007
Published online: July 09, 2008
Issue release date: October 2008

Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 1
Number of Tables: 3

ISSN: 1661-7800 (Print)
eISSN: 1661-7819 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEO

Abstract

Background: Very preterm neonates are at risk of hypothyroxinemia because of prematurity as well as because of neonatal disease. Hypothyroxinemia is associated with impaired developmental outcome. Preterm infants who cannot be weaned from the ventilator can be treated with dexamethasone. Glucocorticoid administration has been found to alter thyroid hormone parameters. Therefore, dexamethasone treatment in these infants might additionally impair their thyroid function, which could have consequences for developmental outcome. Objective: To assess what changes in thyroid function occur in the first hours after initiating dexamethasone treatment in ventilated preterm infants. Methods: Preterm infants, in whom the decision was taken to start dexamethasone treatment, were included. Thyroxine (T4), 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), reverse T3 (rT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and cortisol were determined before and 6–9 h after administration of the first dose of a postnatal dexamethasone course. Details of clinical condition were recorded at both time points. Results: Sixteen very preterm infants were included at a median age of 20 days. While clinical condition was stable between start of dexamethasone and 6–9 h thereafter, TSH and T3 levels decreased significantly. rT3 levels significantly increased, resulting in a decrease in the T3/rT3 ratio. There was no statistically significant effect on the levels of T4. Conclusion: Postnatal dexamethasone administration negatively affects thyroid functionin the preterm infant with severe chronic lung disease.

© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: October 11, 2007
Accepted: December 28, 2007
Published online: July 09, 2008
Issue release date: October 2008

Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 1
Number of Tables: 3

ISSN: 1661-7800 (Print)
eISSN: 1661-7819 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEO

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