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[Administration of glucocorticosteroids to premature infants: increasing evidence of adverse effects]

F van Bel1

  • 1Universitair Medisch Centrum/Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, afd. Neonatologie, Postbus 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht. f.vanbel@wkz.azu.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|January 17, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal glucocorticosteroid therapy prevents chronic lung disease but may cause long-term adverse effects like abnormal brain development. Long-term follow-up and alternative treatments are crucial for premature infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Pediatric pharmacology
  • Developmental neuroscience

Context:

  • Neonatal glucocorticosteroid therapy is a common intervention for very premature infants to prevent chronic lung disease.
  • While effective short-term, concerns regarding long-term adverse effects are growing.

Purpose:

  • To review the evidence for long-term adverse effects of neonatal glucocorticosteroid therapy.
  • To highlight the need for long-term follow-up and the development of alternative treatments.

Summary:

  • Neonatal glucocorticosteroid use is linked to increased risks of abnormal brain development, leading to motor dysfunction, developmental delays, and cerebral palsy.
  • Experimental studies suggest potential cardiovascular and immunological complications in adulthood.
  • Long-term monitoring is essential to detect and manage these potential adverse outcomes.

Impact:

  • Emphasizes the critical need for vigilant, long-term monitoring of infants treated with glucocorticosteroids.
  • Underscores the importance of exploring safer therapeutic alternatives, including less potent glucocorticosteroids, to mitigate developmental and long-term health risks.

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