Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in premature neonates

✍ Scribed by R. A. Lugo; M. C. Nahata; J. A. Menke; E. McClead

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 637 KB
• Volume: 49
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0031-6970
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00195934

✦ Synopsis

Objective: Dexamethasone is frequently used in premature neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, however little is known about its disposition in this population. Methods: We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in 9 premature neonates with a mean gestational age of 27.3 weeks and a postnatal age of 21.8 days.

Results: There was a strong relationship between clearance (4.96 mlmin-lkg -~) and gestational age (r = 0.884). Pharmacokinetic parameters were grouped based on a gestational age of less than 27 weeks (Group I) and greater than 27 weeks (Group II). Mean clearance in group I and group II was 1.69 and 7.57 ml-min ~-kg 1, respectively. Mean distribution volume in group I and II was 1.26 and 2.19 lkg -~, respectively. No significant relationships were noted between the disposition of dexamethasone and ventilator requirements or adverse effects.

Conclusion:

The pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in premature neonates was related to gestational age.