WHOLE-BODY LEAN MASS IS ALTERED BY DEXAMETHASONE TREATMENT THROUGH REDUCTIONS IN PROTEIN AND ENERGY-UTILIZATION IN PIGLETS

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of dexamethasone on growth, body composition and protein metabolism using the piglet as a model for rapidly growing premature infants. Seven-day-old male pig s (n = 18) were randomized to 0.5 mg/kg/day oral dexamethasone or plac ebo for 15 consecutive days. Weight and length gains and weight gained per energy or protein consumed were significantly lower in the dexame thasone group. Serum urea nitrogen was significantly higher in the dex amethasone group by day 15 of the study. No differences were observed between groups for urinary creatinine. The whole body percent lean mas s was significantly lower and percent fat mass was significantly highe r in the dexamethasone piglets, as measured by dual energy X-ray absor ptiometry. In young piglets, dexamethasone, at doses similar to those in premature infants, induces protein catabolism, impairs growth and a lters its composition.