Celestone® Phosphate Injection High Dose: Treatment of Septic Shock and Impending Transplant Rejection

Abstract

Celestone® Phosphate Injection was administered as an intravenous bolus to twenty patients, eighteen with septic shock and two with impending acute renal transplant rejection. Within 4 hours following the diagnosis of septic shock, adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in a dosage ranging from 2·88–3·11 mg/kg was given every 4 hours. The two patients with impending acute renal transplant rejection were dosed every 24 hours. Intravenous fluids, ventilatory assistance, antimicrobial agents, vasoactive agents, diuretics, digitalis and antipyretics were among the concomitant therapies. Among measurements monitored during the study, vital signs, arterial blood gases, central venous pressure, complete blood count, blood chemistry, electrocardiograms and chest radiographs indicated improvement in each patient's condition by the end of therapy. Rapid clinical improvement occurred within 4–8 hours for patients with septic shock and within 48 hours for patients with kidney transplants. Two to three doses of medication were required. Complete reversal of shock was achieved in eighteen (100%) patients with septic shock; both (100%) renal transplant patients experienced reversal of impending rejection. Tolerance was good and no adverse experiences were reported.