Premature infants frequently receive DEX for broncho-pulmonary dysplasia(BPD). Long term effects of this therapy on lymphocytes are unknown. Ten infants ([horizontal bar over]x 26 wks, 825 gm) who received DEX for BPD were compared with matched controls (CON). Blood was obtained prior to (PRE)([horizontal bar over]x d21), after (HIGH) ([horizontal bar over]x d26), at(END) of DEX ([horizontal bar over]x d58), and at term (TERM) ([horizontal bar over]x d97). Direct two-color immunofluorescent staining followed by flow cytometry was employed for cell surface marker determinations. Statistical significance was determined by T test.

PRE WBC of DEX group was double that of controls. At HIGH doses DEX group had significantly higher%B cells and lower%T, CD8, CD4, NK, and CD5 B cells; at END,%CD8 and NK cells were higher; at TERM lower%CD4 and absolute CD4 counts persisted in DEX group. Table

Table 1
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DEX use for BPD results in significant changes in lymphocyte populations persisting for weeks after therapy. The clinical significance of this is unknown.