Abstract | BACKGROUND: In this study, the effects of single and repetitive dexamethasone administration on lung functions in meconium-instilled rabbits were compared. In addition, short-term adverse effects of dexamethasone on blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability were evaluated. METHODS: Artificially ventilated adult rabbits intratracheally received 4 ml/kg of meconium suspension (25 mg/ ml). When respiratory failure developed, animals received single-dose of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) 0.5 h after meconium instillation (Dex1), two doses of dexamethasone (each 0.5 mg/kg i.v.) 0.5 and 2.5 h after meconium instillation (Dex2) or were left without treatment (Mec). Animals were oxygen-ventilated for 5 h after the first dose of treatment. RESULTS:
Dexamethasone treatment significantly improved gas exchange and reduced right-to-left pulmonary shunts, central venous pressure, and lung edema, whereas trend to more pronounced improvement in some parameters was observed after two doses of dexamethasone. There were no significant between-group differences in blood pressure, however, decreased heart rate and increased heart rate variability were observed particularly after repetitive dexamethasone administration. CONCLUSION: Intravenous dexamethasone, especially when given in two doses, improved lung functions, but influenced cardiovascular variables in meconium-instilled rabbits (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 34). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.
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Authors | D Mokra, A Calkovska, I Tonhajzerova, M Petraskova, J Bulikova, B Redfors |
Journal | Bratislavske lekarske listy
(Bratisl Lek Listy)
Vol. 109
Issue 3
Pg. 95-101
( 2008)
ISSN: 0006-9248 [Print] Slovakia |
PMID | 18517130
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
- Glucocorticoids
- Dexamethasone
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Topics |
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents
(therapeutic use, toxicity)
- Dexamethasone
(therapeutic use, toxicity)
- Glucocorticoids
(therapeutic use, toxicity)
- Hemodynamics
(drug effects)
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Lung
(physiopathology)
- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
(drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Rabbits
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