A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study of a “Stress Dose” of Hydrocortisone for Rescue Treatment of Refractory Hypotension in Preterm Infants

Abstract

A stress dose of hydrocortisone was effective in treating refractory hypotension in VLBW infants. Although routine and prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids could not be recommended because of their potential adverse effects, this relatively low dose of hydrocortisone would probably be preferable to high-dose dexamethasone for treatment of refractory hypotension in emergency and life-threatening situations.