HALF-LIFE OF CORTISONE IN NEWBORN INFANTS

To the Editor:—Our main concern about the original report by Bongiovanni et al. that the half-life of hydrocortisone-hemisuccinate is greatly prolonged in the newborn was that no mention was made of the possibility that the dose or form might influence the results. Thus, quite innocently, the lack of any such influence was implied. The fact that a dose relationship does exist is not surprising, but it should be considered in proper perspective. Since the degree of largeness of a dose is relative and depends on the frame of reference, there may be reason for making the amount administered a strong point in discussing the half-life of steroids in the newborn. Many physiologic and biochemical functions of infants differ in degree from similar functions in adults, and we feel it is of importance to consider these factors when investigating allied problems. While we agree it is important to establish the