Changes of the physiological parameters of very low-birthweight infants with chronic lung disease treated with dexamethasone.

Background: Dexamethasone is widely used for the treatment of chronic lung disease (CLD), but its mechanism of action is still not clearly understood.

Methods: Respiratory status, bodyweight, blood pressure, urine volume, fluid intake and nutrient intake were investigated in 12 infants with CLD during treatment with dexamethasone.

Results: The mean gestational age of the patients was 26.