Related Experiment Videos
Changes in the plasma aminogram of parenterally fed infants treated with dexamethasone for bronchopulmonary dysplasia
P C Ng1, K G Brownlee, E J Kelly
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, St James's University Hospital, Leeds.
Insights
Dexamethasone therapy significantly increased plasma amino acid levels in preterm infants with chronic lung disease, likely due to protein breakdown. Phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, however, remained unchanged.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Background:
- Chronic lung disease is a common complication in preterm infants.
- Dexamethasone is frequently used to treat chronic lung disease in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of dexamethasone therapy on plasma amino acid concentrations in preterm infants with chronic lung disease.
Main Methods:
- Plasma amino acid levels were measured in 59 preterm infants with chronic lung disease before and after initiating dexamethasone therapy.
- The relationship between dexamethasone dosage and amino acid level changes was analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in most plasma amino acids was observed following dexamethasone initiation.
- The increase in amino acids was dose-dependent.
- Plasma concentrations of phenylalanine and tyrosine did not significantly change.
Conclusions:
- Dexamethasone therapy induces a dose-related increase in plasma amino acid concentrations in preterm infants with chronic lung disease.
- This effect is likely mediated by steroid-induced protein catabolism.
- Specific amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, are not affected by this therapy.
Abstract:
A substantial increase in the plasma concentration of most amino acids was observed in 59 preterm infants with chronic lung disease soon after the initiation of dexamethasone therapy. The size of increase appeared to be dose related. This phenomenon is likely to be the result of steroid induced protein catabolism. Interestingly, neither phenylalanine nor tyrosine concentrations were significantly increased.