Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy After a Single Dose of Dexamethasone in a Preterm Infant.

Abstract

Dexamethasone is widely used in preterm infants with severe pulmonary disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a transient side effect observed after multiple doses of dexamethasone. We report a preterm infant with myocardial hypertrophy after a single dose of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) used to treat laryngeal edema secondary to prolonged intubation. A benign course was observed without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and with recovery within 4 weeks. Myocardial effects of dexamethasone may be independent of dose and duration of treatment. The risk/benefit ratio must be carefully considered before using even a single dose of dexamethasone in preterm infants.

• Authors: Yusuf Kale, Ozge Aydemir, Ozben Ceylan, Ahmet Yagmur Bas, Nihal Demirel
• Journal: Pediatrics and neonatology (Pediatr Neonatol) Vol. 56 Issue 4 Pg. 268-70 (Aug 2015) ISSN: 2212-1692 [Electronic] Singapore
• PMID: 23639746 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Dexamethasone (adverse effects)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Lung Diseases (drug therapy)