Steroid treatment of brain edema.

Experimental brain edema due to extradural compression was studied in rats, and the beneficial effect of a steroid, betamethasone, on this was tested. Immediately following extradural compression, betamethasone therapy was begun by intraperitoneal injection. Three groups of animals received eight divided doses of betamethasone over 48 hours: total doses were 64 mg, 6.4 mg, and 0.64 mg/kg, respectively. Two other groups received doses at zero and 24 hours only, with total doses of 64 mg and 6.4 mg/kg. Water and sodium content of the brain were reduced depending upon dosage. Administration every 6 hours was superior to every 24 hours. Potassium content was not consistently altered. After injection of radioactive steroid, a significant increase in uptake of the drug was observed in the edematous brain.