Dexamethasone in form of its phosphate was given intravenously in two different doses (1.5 mg kg-1 and 15 mg). Plasma levels of the ester and dexamethasone were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The results indicate no dose-dependency of the pharmacokinetic parameters in the investigated range for dexamethasone. Conversion from the prodrug to the active form was rapid; maximum dexamethasone plasma concentrations were reached after 10 min. The results were verified by dexamethasone level monitoring in patients after chronic dosing. Predicted and achieved steady state levels agreed well.

Although hypopituitarism is a known complication of traumatic head injury, it may be under-recognized due to its subtle clinical manifestations. To address this issue, we determine the prevalence of neuroendocrine abnormalities in patients rehabilitating from severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale < or = 8). 76 patients (mean age 39 +/- 14 yr; range 18-65; 53 males and 23 females; BMI 25.8 +/- 4.2 kg/m2; mean +/- SD) with a severe traumatic brain injury, an average of 22 +/- 10 months before this study (median, 20 months), underwent a series of standard endocrine tests, including TSH, free T4, T4, T3, prolactin, testosterone (males), estradiol (females), cortisol, ACTH, GH, and IGF-I. All subjects also underwent GH response to GHRH + arginine. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was defined as a GH response < 9 microg/L to GHRH + arginine and was confirmed by ITT (< 3 microg/L). Pituitary deficiency was shown in 24% of the patients (18/76). 8% (n = 6) had GHD (GH-peak range [GHRH + arginine]: 2.8-6.3 microg/L; GH-peak range [ITT]: 1.5-2.2 microg/L; IGF-I range: 62-174 microg/L). 17% (n = 13) had hypogonadism (total testosterone < 9.5 nmol/L and low gonadotropins in 12 males; low estradiol, and low gonadotropins in 1 female). Total testosterone levels did not correlate with BMI or age. 2 males with hypogonadism also showed a mild hyperprolactinemia (33 and 41 ng/ml). 3% (n = 2) patients had partial ACTH-deficiency (cortisol-peak [ITT] 392 and 417 nmol/L) and 3% (n = 2) had TSH-deficiency. In summary, we have found hypopituitarism in one-fourth of patients with predominantly secondary hypogonadism and GHD. These findings strongly suggest that patients who suffer head trauma must routinely include neuroendocrine evaluations.

Methylprednisolone in the form of its hemisuccinate ester was injected intravenously in doses of 10 mg/kg and 63.1 mg. Plasma levels of methylprednisolone and of the ester were measured and their kinetics were calculated. Results indicate dose dependency in the kinetics of both. About 10% of the dose was excreted unchanged as hemisuccinate in the urine, indicating incomplete conversion of the prodrug. When methylprednisolone (80 mg) was also taken by mouth, the relative bioavailability of the tablets was 99%. Saliva levels of methylprednisolone were low but paralleled plasma levels in the postdistribution phase. No methylprednisolone hemisuccinate was found in saliva.

Prednisolone in the form of its hemisuccinate was given intravenously in two different doses (1200 mg and 75 mg). Plasma levels of the ester and prednisolone were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The results indicate a dose-dependency in the pharmacokinetics of both hemisuccinate and the free alcohol. For the high dose 8 per cent of the administered ester was found unchanged in the urine indicating incomplete conversion of the pro-drug. Comparison with previous studies leads to the conclusion that prednisolone shows doubled non-linear pharmacokinetics with higher total body clearance in the medium dose range than in the low and high dose range. Volume of distribution changes accordingly, but overall elimination rate remains remarkably constant. Saliva levels of prednisolone were low and agree reasonably well with calculated plasma concentrations of free, non-protein-bound prednisolone. No prednisolone hemisuccinate was found in saliva.

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