Neonatal glucocorticoids and the developing brain: short-term treatment with life-long consequences?
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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
J M Bakker1, F van Bel, C J Heijnen
1Dept of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital of the University Medical Center, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.m.bakker-2@wkz.azu.nl
Abstract:
Although synthetic glucocorticoids are frequently used in hospital for the prevention of chronic lung disease in premature infants, major concern has arisen about the possible long-term consequences of these treatments. Animal research provides evidence for the idea that neonatal glucocorticoid treatment enhances susceptibility to autoimmune disease in adult life. Altered functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and/or changes at higher brain levels might underlie alterations in disease susceptibility.
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