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Am J Perinatol 2007; 24(4): 223-225
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973442
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Dexamethasone Therapy Interferes with the Development of the Neutrophil Oxidative Burst In Vitro in Very Low Birthweight Infants

Magdy Ahmad1 , Howard B. Fleit2 , Marc G. Golightly2 , Edmund F. La Gamma3
  • 1Division of Neonatal Medicine, Pediatrix Medical Group, Ohio, and Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
  • 2Department of Pathology, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York
  • 3The Regional Neonatal Center, Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College-Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 April 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Dexamethasone therapy is used in the treatment of chronic lung disease in very low birthweight (VLBW) neonates. However, several significant side effects have been observed in these patients, including an increased incidence of infection. We initiated a pilot study to examine the in vitro function of neutrophils from dexamethasone-treated VLBW infants. Following a 1-week course of dexamethasone, VLBW infants failed to demonstrate the increased oxidative burst that was observed in the age- and weight-matched untreated infants. These observations support recent evidence raising concern about effects on other organs when using dexamethasone in mechanically ventilated infants. In this example, impaired oxidative burst may be among the cellular factors contributing to the increased risk of infection during corticosteroid use in VLBW neonates in the neonatal intensive care setting.

KEYWORDS

Corticosteroids - oxidative burst - VLBW neonates - neutrophils

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Edmund F La GammaM.D. 

The Regional Neonatal Center, Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics

New York Medical College-Maria Fareri Children' Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595

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