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Differences in metabolic properties among cortisol, prednisolone, and dexamethasone in liver and renal diseases: accelerated metabolism of dexamethasone in renal failure.

Since previous reports concerning the altered metabolism of various glucocorticoids in liver or renal diseases were inconsistent, this study was undertaken to reexamine the metabolism of cortisol, prednisolone, and dexamethasone in patients with these diseases. One milligram each of these glucocorticoids was given iv simultaneously to patients with chronic liver disease, patients with chronic renal failure, and normal subjects after 1 mg betamethasone was administered on the previous night to suppress endogenous cortisol secretion. Plasma steroid levels in periodically collected blood samples were assayed by respective RIA after separation by paper chromatography. Prolongation of the t1/2 of cortisol was found in both patients with liver disease and those with renal failure, and prolonged t1/2 and reduced MCR of prednisolone were found in renal failure but not in liver disease. In contrast, while prolonged t1/2 and reduced MCR of dexamethasone were found in liver disease, shortened t1/2 and increased MCR were found in renal failure. These results suggest that different glucocorticoids are metabolized differently in patients with liver disease and those with renal failure, and that these differences may be important when these agents are used for therapeutic purposes or for study of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical function in patients with liver and renal diseases.

Adult↗

[Comparative evaluation of treatment results in advanced multiple myeloma with the help of polychemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone (VAD) or only with dexamethasone].

A prospective clinical trial was undertaken to determine the therapeutical effectiveness of multidrug chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) or only high dose of dexamethasone (D) in 56 patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The group of patients included 41 with intermediate (II) and 15 with high (III) tumor mass. The final evaluation was performed in 19 patients treated with D and in 19 receiving VAD regimen. Improvement was defined by at least 50% reduction of serum myeloma protein concentration or disappearance of light chain proteinuria. The VAD regimen was more effective giving improvement in 90% of patients with no prior therapy and in 44% of patients with reflectory myeloma. In this respect, cytoreduction of the same magnitude was noted both in stages II and III. Higher therapeutical effect of VAD regimen was observed independently of the immunological type of MM. The treatment with D has given the improvement in 56% of patients with no previous therapy. Our results support the usefulness of VAD regimen in MM-patients with no prior therapy and with refractory myeloma. High frequency of therapy-related complications, however, indicates that VAD treatment should rather be reserved for the patients with resistant MM.

Adult↗

Dexamethasone therapy in neonatal chronic lung disease: an international placebo-controlled trial. Collaborative Dexamethasone Trial Group.

In a multicenter trial of steroid therapy for chronic neonatal oxygen dependence, 287 neonates were randomly allocated from around 3 weeks of age, to dexamethasone or placebo. Active treatment significantly reduced the duration of further assisted ventilation among infants who were ventilator dependent at entry (median days for survivors, 11 vs 17.5). There were no statistically significant differences between the total groups of survivors in time receiving supplemental oxygen and length of stay in hospital, although the trend favored the dexamethasone group. Twenty-five infants in each group died prior to hospital discharge; most were ventilator dependent at trial entry. Open treatment with steroids was later given to 18% in the active group and to 43% in the placebo group. There was no evidence of serious side effects; in particular, infection rates were similar in the two groups.

Birth Weight↗

Consecutive dose-finding trials adding lorazepam to the combination of metoclopramide plus dexamethasone: improved subjective effectiveness over the combination of diphenhydramine plus metoclopramide plus dexamethasone.

Four consecutive trials were undertaken to study lorazepam at each of three dosage levels and diphenhydramine when used in combination with iv metoclopramide and dexamethasone in patients receiving cisplatin at 120 mg/m2. The combination containing diphenhydramine had been the most effective treatment identified in prior trials. Earlier studies have found lorazepam to be a useful adjunct to other antiemetic agents. Sixty-five patients who had never received chemotherapy or antiemetics were directly observed in the hospital for 24 hours following cisplatin. Overall, 56% of the patients experienced no emesis and 78.5% of the patients had two or fewer vomiting episodes during the study period. No significant differences were noted in the number of patients who experienced no emesis or two or fewer episodes among the four trials. More sedation was seen with the lorazepam-containing regimens; other side effects were similar in type and severity. The trial using the highest dose of lorazepam (1.5 mg/m2) demonstrated significantly greater patient satisfaction (P = 0.039) and less anxiety during therapy (P = 0.02) when compared with the diphenhydramine combination. We conclude that combinations of iv metoclopramide plus dexamethasone with either diphenhydramine or lorazepam are well tolerated and effective in controlling cisplatin-induced emesis. The regimens containing lorazepam produced better subjective evaluations, and the combination using the highest lorazepam dose tested showed superior patient satisfaction and less anxiety during therapy.

Adult↗

Dexamethasone suppression test: use of two different dexamethasone doses.

The endocrinologic methods used in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) for depression were examined, by employing two different doses of dexamethasone (0.5 or 1.0 mg) at 11 p.m. Nonsuppression to the 1.0 mg DST (plasma cortisol criterion value of 5 micrograms/dl) was seen in 33% of major depressives and in 15% of schizophrenics. A similar result was obtained with the 0.5 mg DST when 12 micrograms/dl was employed as the plasma cortisol criterion value. Plasma cortisol levels 33 hours postdexamethasone did not distinguish between major depressives and schizophrenics.

Adult↗

Role of intracellular free Ca(II) and Zn(II) in dexamethasone-induced apoptosis and dexamethasone resistance in human leukemic CEM cell lines.

The levels of intracellular free Ca(II) and Zn(II) during dexamethasone (dex)-induced apoptosis in CEM cell lines were determined by 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), using the fluorinated intracellular chelator 1,2-bis-(2- amino-5-fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (5-FBAPTA). The effects of these divalent metal ions on growth rate and DNA degradation were evaluated. Measurements were done on one dex-sensitive (CEM-C7) and three different dex-resistant variants (CEM-C1, CEM-4R4, and CEM-ICR27). Dex caused a continuous increase in the Ca(II) level in dex-sensitive CEM-C7 cells, while in CEM-C1 cells dex caused an initial increase in the Ca(II) level which in approximately 36 h was restored to its normal value. The intracellular Ca(II) level in CEM-4R4 cells was not significantly affected by dex, while that of CEM-ICR27 cells decreased after dex incubation. Only the dex-sensitive CEM-C7 cells showed dex-induced DNA degradation. An intracellular free Zn(II) level of approximately 1 nM was measured for the dex-resistant CEM-C1 cells. No detectable level of intracellular Zn(II) was found in the other cell lines. Incubation with < 100 microM Zn(II) did not inhibit dex-induced apoptosis in CEM-C7 cells (e.g., DNA degradation). Treatment with approximately 250 microM Zn(II) caused significant decrease in growth rate in all cell lines and prevented dex-induced DNA degradation in CEM-C7 cells. A calibrated amount of Ca(II) ionophore (A23187), used to increase Ca(II) concentrations up to the dex-induced levels, did not induce DNA degradation in CEM-C7 or CEM-C1 cells. While elevation of intracellular Ca(II) by itself is not sufficient to initiate apoptosis in CEM-C7 cells, the results reported here suggest that Ca(II) is involved in the killing mechanism as a secondary factor. The combination of dex and ionophore caused significant DNA degradation in CEM-C1 cells, which normally showed resistance to each compound individually. The combination of dex and the Zn(II) chelator phenanthroline also caused extensive DNA degradation in the normally dex-resistant CEM-C1 cells, suggesting that Zn(II) plays a role in the dex resistance of these cells.

Apoptosis↗

A randomized trial comparing alizapride alone or with dexamethasone vs a metoclopramide-dexamethasone combination for emesis induced by moderate-dose cisplatin.

To evaluate the antiemetic effectiveness and toxicity of a novel congener of metoclopramide (MCP), alizapride (AZP), 29 patients receiving cisplatin (50 mg/m2) alone or with adriamycin (40 mg/m2) were entered into a randomized cross-over trial comparing moderate-dose AZP (2 mg/kg for 4 doses) administered alone or with dexamethasone (DXM) (8 mg for five doses) vs a standard combination of MCP (1 mg/kg for four doses) and DXM (as above). With the dosage and schedule used, AZP provided only limited antiemetic protection, with less than 10% of the patients free of emesis. The AZP-DXM combination was significantly more effective than AZP alone in reducing the intensity of the emesis (P less than 0.03). The incidence, however, was statistically unaffected. The additional toxicity of DXM was negligible. Except for the patients' preference for MCP-DXM (P less than 0.01), no differences could be found between the DXM-based regimens, although a trend towards a better antiemetic effect with the MCP combination was evident. The benzamide-related dystonic reactions were equally distributed. Among the 11 patients affected there were 6 who required specific treatments. Unfavourable prognostic factors in the patient population could provide a reasonable explanation for the disappointing antiemetic protection obtained with all the regimens evaluated in this study.

Adult↗

Early neonatal dexamethasone treatment for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Randomised trial and meta-analysis evaluating the duration of dexamethasone therapy.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the aborted trial was to determine whether the short early dexamethasone (DX) given after the birth improves the early outcome. We also reviewed the evidence (meta-analysis) to determine whether the duration of early DX treatment influences the early outcome, particularly in terms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The participants of the randomised multicentre, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial had a birth weight 500-999 g, gestation < or = 31.0 weeks, and respiratory failure by the age of 4 h. The infants received either four doses of DX (0.25 mg/kg at 12 h intervals) or placebo. The meta-analysis was performed to determine the beneficial and adverse effects of early short (<96 h duration) versus early prolonged (>96 h) DX treatment. The trial was discontinued after 109 infants had been enrolled. There was a non-significant improvement in the outcome (survival without BPD, severe intracranial haemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia; RR 1.27; 95% CI 0.87-1.85). The risks for gastrointestinal perforation and hyperglycaemia tended to increase. A total of 15 trials were included in the meta-analysis: 10 involved prolonged (i.e. >96 h; 1594 infants) and five short interventions (1069 infants). Early prolonged DX decreased the RR for BPD to 0.72 (95% CI 0.61-0.87), whereas early short DX course did not significantly decrease the risk (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.64-1.05). Gastrointestinal haemorrhages and perforations were significantly increased only in the early prolonged DX group. CONCLUSION: The dosage and duration of early corticosteroid given to small premature infants influences the risk of the side-effects and the early outcome.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

The influences of dexamethasone levels on the predictive value of the DST for unipolar major depression and the relationships between post-dexamethasone cortisol and ACTH levels.

To investigate the relationships between dexamethasone (DEX) and post-DEX cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, the authors measured DEX at 8.00 a.m. and post-DEX cortisol and ACTH levels at 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. in 72 depressed patients categorized according to DSM-III. Cortisol non-suppressors exhibited significantly (P = 0.0006) decreased levels of DEX compared to suppressors. DEX levels at 8.00 a.m. explained 21.1% of the variance in the post-DEX cortisol values at 8.00 a.m. and 34.5% of those at 4.00 p.m. DEX levels were not significantly different among minor depressives (300.40, 309.00), major depressives without melancholia (296.X2) or with melancholia and/or psychotic features (296.X3, 296.X4). In the latter the post-DEX cortisol was significantly increased compared to all other depressives and these differences remained significant even after adjusting for the variations in DEX (by means of regression analysis). Also the diagnostic performance of the post-DEX cortisol values for major depression with associated features versus minor depression was not substantially affected when the DEX levels were accounted for. ACTH levels after DEX were shown to correlate significantly (P less than 0.05) and negatively with DEX. Although post-DEX ACTH levels did not differ among the DSM-III diagnostic categories, cortisol non-suppressors averaged significantly (P = 0.0004) higher ACTH levels than suppressors.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Neuroendocrine aspects of primary endogenous depression: IX. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the dexamethasone suppression index vs. the dexamethasone suppression test in patients and controls.

The dexamethasone suppression index (DSI), which is the product of the postdexamethasone (DEX) serum DEX concentration and the post-DEX serum cortisol concentration, has been suggested to be a more sensitive discriminative test for depression than the standard DEX suppression test (DST). We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to examine the DSI, calculated in several ways, versus the standard DST in a sample of 40 endogenous major depressives and 40 matched normal control subjects. The ROC analysis indicated that the DSI offers no advantage over the standard DST, regardless of which criterion values are used to define cortisol nonsuppression. Serum DEX determinations appear to have value primarily as an indicator of the minimum DEX concentration necessary for an accurate DST.

Adult↗

Delivery of pharmacologically active dexamethasone into activated endothelial cells by dexamethasone-anti-E-selectin immunoconjugate.

To deliver selectively anti-inflammatory agents into activated endothelial cells, drug-targeting conjugates were developed. Dexamethasone (Dexa) was covalently linked to a monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing E-selectin, which is strongly upregulated in endothelial cells at inflammatory sites. In the present study, the pharmacological effects of this Dexa-mouse antihuman E-selectin antibody (H18/7) (Ab(hEsel)) conjugate were investigated and compared to the effects obtained by free Dexa in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Flow cytometry and ELISA were performed to analyze the levels of cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and secreted cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). The studies were extended by analysis of a complex gene expression pattern, using a cDNA expression array containing 268 genes encoding human cytokines/cytokine-receptors. Fifty genes and 28 genes were upregulated (ratio> or =2) upon incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with TNFalpha for 6 and 24hr, respectively. This gene expression profile was markedly altered when cells were activated with TNFalpha in the presence of Dexa (100 nM) or Dexa-Ab(hEsel) conjugate (10 micro g/mL conjugate corresponding to 100 nM Dexa). Relative and competitive RT-PCR analysis verified downregulation of TNFalpha-mediated expression of CD40L and IL-8 by Dexa and Dexa-Ab(hEsel), respectively. These results indicated a successful internalization and processing of Dexa-Ab(hEsel) in activated endothelial cells, allowing the intracellularly delivered Dexa to exert its pleiotropic anti-inflammatory activity.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone and its relationship to dexamethasone suppression test outcome in depressed patients and healthy control subjects.

The pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone (DEX) were studied in 9 drug-free melancholically depressed patients and 10 healthy control subjects matched by sex and age. Each subject received 1 mg of DEX administered orally and by the (i.v.) route at 11:00 PM and serial blood samples were collected over the next 17 hours until 4:00 PM. There were no significant differences between the diagnostic groups and DEX bioavailability, peak plasma level, time to maximum concentration, or in elimination half-life after oral administration. Bioavailability estimates indicated that DEX absorption was incomplete and variable mean = 61%, SD = 14) in controls as well as depressed patients. In both groups there was a wide interindividual variability in plasma DEX levels following both oral and i.v. routes of administration. This variability could not be reliably predicted by differences in age, sex, or weight between subjects. The factors that accounted for most the variability in 4:00 PM plasma DEX levels after oral administration were clearance, bioavailability, and time to reach maximum concentration. Plasma DEX levels were lower in 3 depressed nonsuppressors compared to 3 matched controls who suppressed. No single pharmacokinetic factor was shown to be responsible for the lower DEX levels in the depressed nonsuppressors. These results indicate that plasma DEX levels need to be measured in each individual during the DST procedure so that this information may be taken into consideration when interpreting DST results.

Administration, Oral↗

Relationship between dexamethasone-inhibited lysozyme activity in peripheral mononuclear leukocytes and the cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor response to dexamethasone.

The assessment of lysozyme activity in mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) following the in vitro administration of dexamethasone (DEX) provides a measure of peripheral glucocorticoid sensitivity. The goal of the present study was to determine the relationship between the IC(50) of lysozyme activity following such challenge, and the cortisol response to oral administration of 0.50 mg DEX in 18 healthy subjects. The results demonstrated a robust association between the IC(50) and both cortisol decline and percent suppression of cortisol in response to low-dose DEX. However, this measure was uncorrelated with pre or post DEX cortisol levels or GR number. The high correlation between the inhibitory effect of DEX on lysozyme synthesis and two measures reflecting cortisol suppression in response to oral DEX reflects the similarities of GC responsiveness in both in vivo and in vitro models, and suggests that the in vitro assessment of lysozyme activity in MNLs may be useful in the study of neuropsychiatric or other clinical disorder.

Adult↗

Modulation of collagen-induced arthritis by IL-4 and dexamethasone: the synergistic effect of IL-4 and dexamethasone on the resolution of CIA.

We investigated effects of IL-4, dexamethasone (DXM), and the combination of IL-4 and DXM, low- or high-dose, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice and correlated severity of arthritis with changes in IL-10 and IFN-gamma. Compared with control mice, mice treated with IL-4 had increased IL-10 with the same degree of arthritis, whereas mice treated with high-dose DXM had decreased IL-10 and increased IFN-gamma production with less severe arthritis. Mice treated with low-dose DXM showed the absence of IL-10 and increased IFN-gamma production with a trend toward the resolution of arthritis. Mice treated with IL-4 and low-dose DXM had neither IL-10 nor IFN-gamma production but revealed less severe arthritis, compared with mice treated with low-dose DXM alone. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of high-dose DXM and the combination of IL-4 and DXM on CIA are independent of IL-10 and IFN-gamma.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Could a combined administration of dexamethasone and 3,5-dimethyl-3'-isopropyl-L-thyronine (DIMIT) be a more effective alternative to dexamethasone alone in the prevention of RDS?

OBJECTIVE: To test whether the combined application of dexamethasone (DEXA) and 3,5-dimethyl-3'-isopropyl-L-thyronine (DIMIT) induces the synthesis of surfactant protein A (SP-A) mRNA at a higher rate than both substances given alone? STUDY DESIGN: Organoid culture of fetal rat lungs (Wistar rats; day 19 of gestation) was prepared. After 48h of incubation we added DEXA (10(-5), 10(-7), 10(-8) and 10(-9)mol/l), DIMIT (10(-5), 10(-7) and 10(-9)mol/l) and the combination of DEXA in 10(-8)mol/l with various concentrations of DIMIT. After another 48h of incubation, northern blot and hybridization with a 32P-labeled SP-A cDNA probe was performed. One-way-variance-analysis with a Scheffé-test, Levene-test and one-sample-t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: DEXA alone above 10(-8)mol/l resulted in a significant increase, DIMIT resulted in a decrease of SP-A mRNA induction. Combined application of DIMIT and DEXA resulted in a significant increase compared to the controls. Compared to DEXA alone in 10(-8)mol/l, we found an increased induction, but the data were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The combined application of DEXA and DIMIT shows a higher induction of SP-A mRNA than both drugs given alone.

Animals↗

Oral granisetron alone and in combination with dexamethasone: a double-blind randomized comparison against high-dose metoclopramide plus dexamethasone in prevention of cisplatin-induced emesis. The Granisetron Study Group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three anti-emetic treatment regimens were compared in 357 patients receiving cisplatin therapy (mean dose 81 mg/m2) in this double-blind randomized study. Regimens studied were i) granisetron 1 mg bd orally for 7 days (granisetron alone); ii) gran 1 mg bd orally for 7 days plus prophylactic dexamethasone (12 mg i.v.) on the first day only (gran/dex); iii) metoclopramide (3 mg/kg i.v. loading dose; 4 mg/kg i.v. infusion) plus dex (12 mg i.v.) on the first day followed by met 10 mg orally tds for a further 6 days (met/dex). RESULTS: At 24 hours, gran/dex was significantly superior to met/dex in terms of total anti-emetic control, defined as no nausea, no vomiting, no rescue anti-emetic therapy, not withdrawn (54.7% gran/dex vs. 37.2% met/dex; P < 0.01). There was also a significant delay in time to onset of nausea (P < 0.01) and vomiting (P < 0.01) following gran/dex compared with met/dex. Oral granisetron alone was as effective as met/dex in control of acute emesis in all parameters examined. There were no significant differences between the three groups in the control of delayed nausea and vomiting. The most common adverse experiences in both granisetron groups were headache and constipation, both characteristic of 5-HT3 antagonists. Agitation, somnolence, diarrhoea and decreased appetite were reported more frequently by the met/dex group. CONCLUSIONS: Oral granisetron as a single agent is as effective as high doses of i.v. met/dex in preventing cisplatin-induced emesis. Oral granisetron in combination with a corticosteroid provides superior anti-emetic control to the met/dex regimen in patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

Administration, Oral↗

A randomized cross-over trial of granisetron and dexamethasone versus granisetron alone: the role of dexamethasone on day 1 in the control of cisplatin-induced delayed emesis.

We studied the role of dexamethasone (DEX) administered on day 1 in controlling cisplatin-induced delayed emesis. Forty patients were randomly allocated to receive either granisetron (GRN) and DEX on day 1, or the same dose of GRN alone. On days 2-5, all the patients received metoclopramide and DEX. They were crossed over to the other antiemetic regimen with their second course of chemotherapy. Thirty-one patients were evaluable for efficacy. The mean visual analogue scale scores for nausea on days 1 and 2 were 9.1 and 18.8 mm for GRN and DEX, and 16.3 and 28.5 mm for GRN alone, respectively (P<0.05 on day 2). The mean numbers of emetic episodes on days 1-3 were 0.036, 0.46 and 0.36 for GRN and DEX, and 0.39, 0.89 and 0.57 for GRN alone, respectively (P<0.01 on day 1). Hiccups and restlessness were noted in 38% and 33% of cycles, respectively. Addition of DEX to GRN on day 1 thus enhanced the control of delayed emesis.

Adult↗

Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of the effect of dexamethasone on endogenous hydrocortisone and cortisone in the horse.

A compartmental model was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone (DXM) and changes in the plasma concentration of endogenous cortisone (COR) and hydrocortisone (HYD) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of DXM (0.05 mg/kg) in horses. Quantification of DXM, COR and HYD in equine plasma was achieved using liquid chromatography interfaced with triple spray quadrupole quantum tandem mass spectrometry (LC/TSQ-MS/MS). The median alpha (t(1/2alpha)), beta (t(1/2beta)), and gamma (t(1/2gamma)) half-lives were 0.33, 2.2, and 10.7 h respectively. The area under the DXM plasma concentration curve (AUC) was 113.5 ng.h/mL. At 72 h post-DXM administration, the plasma concentration of DXM in all horses was below the level of quantification (100 pg/mL). The baseline plasma concentration of COR was 3.5 +/- 0.69 ng/mL and declined significantly (P < 0.02) to 2.9 +/- 0.86 ng/mL at 1 h. The nadir in COR plasma concentration was 0.65 +/- 0.12 ng/mL at 28.8 +/- 9.0 h, and the DXM plasma concentration was 0.19 +/- 0.13 ng/mL. COR concentration returned to baseline at 96 h. Baseline plasma concentration of HYD was 58.8 +/- 11.7 ng/mL and declined significantly (P < 0.001) to 41.1 +/- 14.9 ng/mL at 1 h following DXM administration but recovered to baseline at 96 h. The sensitivity of LC/TSQ-MS/MS allowed complete description of the pharmacokinetics of DXM and its effect on plasma concentrations of both COR and HYD.

Animals↗