We hypothesized that a low dose of DEX will result in a comparable improvement in lung function and will minimize the metabolic effects as compared to a higher dose. Our objective was to compare the metabolic effects of 2 different doses of DEX given to VLBW infants (<1500 g) who failed to be weaned from the respirator at 7-14 days of life. A prospective randomized trial was performed. 17 infants received the high dose (HD) course of intravenous DEX (0.5 mg/kg/d for 3 days, 0.25 mg/kg/d for 3 days and 0.1 mg/kg/d for 1 day) and 18 infants received the low dose (LD) course of DEX(0.2 mg/kg/d for 3 days and 0.1 mg/kg/d for 4 days). Results are given in means (±SEM) in the Table. Total fluids were 140-150 ml/kg/d during both courses. No change was found in K, Cl, P, or total protein and we observed transient hyperglycemia in both groups. We conclude that both doses of DEX had comparable metabolic effects. Our findings support the use of a short course of DEX when treating VLBW infants.

Table 1
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