Abstract
The influence of dexamethasone on diuresis in preterm infants has not well been studied. In 15 preterm infants (gestational age 27.7±0.9 weeks, birthweight 994±192 grams, mean ± SD) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia we measured urine output, serum urea and arterial blood pressure (ABP) on the day before, and on 4 consecutive days after starting treatment with dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg/d, twice daily). Diuresis did not change, until after 48 hours a substantial increase in diuresis occured. During the study period fluid and energy intake remained constant. Blood glucose levels did not change. Results are summarized in the table, data are expressed as mean ± SD. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the significant increase in diuresis after 48 hours of dexamethasone treatment might be caused by 2 factors: (1) an increase of the osmolar load to the kidney due to the increase of serum urea; (2) pressure diuresis induced by the increase in arterial blood pressure.
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