Adrenocortical responsiveness in neonates weaned from the ventilator with dexamethasone

Adrenocortical responsiveness was assessed in eight very low birthweight neonates who had bronchopulmonary dysplasia and had been weaned from mechanical ventilation using dexamethasone. Three of the eight infants did not respond to ACTH stimulation during the first week after cessation of dexamethasone, but all three responded normally when retested at least 1 month later. The present authors have thus demonstrated that some infants have at least temporary adrenocortical unresponsiveness after prolonged courses of glucocorticoid therapy, and suggest that adrenocortical function should be assessed in all infants who are weaned from mechanical ventilation using dexamethasone.