Dexamethasone syndrome

Docetaxel, another taxane, binds to tubulin to promote microtubule assembly. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel are best described by a three-compartment model, with an a half-life of 0.08 hours, a 3 half-life of 1.6 to 1.8 hours, and a terminal half-life of 65 to 73 hours.14 Docetaxel has activity in the treatment of breast, non-small cell lung, prostate, bladder, esophageal, stomach, ovary, and head and neck cancers. Dexamethasone, 8 mg twice daily for 3 days starting the day before treatment, is used to prevent the fluid retention syndrome associated with docetaxel and possible hypersensitivity reactions. The fluid... 

RH is admitted to the pediatric oncology service. She is started on allopurinol and intravenous fluids with sodium bicarbonate to prevent tumor lysis syndrome. According to her risk status, she will receive a three-drug induction with vincristine, dexamethasone, and pegylated asparaginase. She also will receive intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy for CNS prophylaxis with methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone. 

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulating agent related to thalidomide that was recently approved for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Lenalidomide lacks the common side effects of thalidomide, such as constipation and peripheral neuropathy. Interim analyses of two phase III trials show that lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone produces higher response rates than dexamethasone alone in relapsed and refractory myeloma. Adverse effects of lenalidomide include diarrhea, nausea, muscle cramps, hematologic side effects and deep vein thrombosis.42... 

Dexamethasone Testing of adrenal cortical hyperfunction cerebral edema associated with primary or metastatic brain tumor, craniotomy, or head injury. Tnamc/no/one Treatment of pulmonary emphysema where bronchospasm or bronchial edema plays a significant role, and diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (Hamman-Rich syndrome) in conjunction with diuretic agents to induce a diuresis in refractory CHF and in cirrhosis of the liver with refractory ascites and for postoperative dental inflammatory reactions. 

In patients in whom the diagnosis of Cushing s syndrome has been established clinically and confirmed by a finding of elevated free cortisol in the urine, suppression with large doses of dexamethasone will help to distinguish patients with Cushing s disease from those with steroid-... 

An apparent association between severe retinopathy of prematurity and dexamethasone therapy has been shown in a retrospective study (SEDA-20, 372 76). Infants treated with dexamethasone required longer periods of mechanical ventilation (44 versus 26 days), had a longer duration of supplemental oxygen (57 versus 29 days), had a higher incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (28/38 versus 18/52), and required surfactant therapy more often for respiratory distress syndrome (17/38 versus 11/52). Prospective, randomized, controlled studies are needed to correct for differences in severity of cardiorespiratory disease. Until such studies are available, careful consideration must be given to indications, dosage, time of initiation, and duration of treatment with dexamethasone in infants of extremely low birthweight. 

In an analysis of 595 preterm infants born at 26-32 weeks gestation during a randomized controlled trial for the prevention of lung disease, glucocorticoids given to women at risk of preterm delivery promoted fetal lung maturation, reduced the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, and reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality (370). Dexamethasone was given as either two doses of 12 mg 24 hours apart or four doses of 6 mg every 6 hours. Mortality was 9.2% after three or more courses, compared with 4.8% after one or two courses. This association was not explained by other factors (maternal or other common preterm morbidities). 

Rabhan NB. Pituitary-adrenal suppression and Cushing s syndrome after intermittent dexamethasone therapy. Ann Intern Med 1968 69(6) 1141-8. 

A 5-year-old child with diabetes, Pierre Robin syndrome, cleft palate, allergic rhinitis, recurrent sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnea, who had previously had skin rashes after penicillin, sulfonamides, and clindamycin, was given soluble and isophane human insulins (131). Three years later she developed local reactions, 2-5 cm areas, 30-120 minutes after injection. Skin-prick tests were negative for the diluent, isophane, and soluble insulin, but intradermal testing was positive with both insulins. Cetirizine and dexamethasone added to the insulin gave temporary relief. She was... 

Management of the ocular aspects of Reiter s syndrome is directed toward control of inflammation.The uveitis can be fairly severe and resistant to therapy. In most instances such topical steroids as 1% prednisolone acetate or 0.1% dexamethasone are recommended. Dosage is variable but in severe cases should be administered initially every 1 to 2 hours and accompanied by such cycloplegic agents as 5% homatropine or 0.25% scopolamine two to three times daily. Aggressive treatment reduces formation of synechiae and subsequent secondary glaucoma. In patients who have severe uveitis, either sub-Tenon s capsule or oral steroids may be used in conjimction with topical management. 

In adrenogenital syndrome and adrenal virilism, an attempt may be made to suppress excess adrenal androgen secretion by inhibiting pituitary corticotropin production by means of prednisolone or dexamethasone. Suppression of androgen production is effective if there is adrenal hyperplasia, but not if an adrenal tumour is present. Hairiness, which women especially dislike in themselves, is often unaffected even though good suppression is achieved, and menstruation recommences. 

Premature labour use of P -adrenoceptor agonists and of dexamethasone (to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in the prematurely newborn) causes hyperglycaemia and increased insulin (and potassium) need. 

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