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Post-natal corticosteroid use

Olivia Williams1, Anne Greenough

  • 1Children Nationwide Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Child Health, Kings College Hospital, SE5 9RS London, UK.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Systemic corticosteroids for newborns may reduce chronic lung disease (CLD) and mortality. However, prescribing practices vary widely, highlighting the need for a consensus on optimal corticosteroid regimens.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Systemic corticosteroids in early neonatal life may reduce chronic lung disease (CLD) and mortality.
  • Concerns about long-term adverse effects might influence current prescribing habits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess current corticosteroid prescribing practices in UK neonatal units.
  • To determine if a consensus exists on the appropriate regimen for corticosteroid use.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire survey was sent to consultant pediatricians at 223 UK neonatal units.
  • The survey collected data on route, timing, dosage, and indications for corticosteroid administration.

Main Results:

  • A 72% response rate was achieved.
  • 33% of respondents never prescribed steroids, and 3.75% used inhaled steroids only.
  • Significant variation was observed in timing, dosage (ranging from <0.1 mg/kg/day to 0.5 mg/kg/day), and indications (primarily ventilator-dependent infants).

Conclusions:

  • Wide variations in corticosteroid usage exist among UK neonatal units.
  • There is a need to establish a corticosteroid dosage regimen with a favorable risk/benefit ratio.
Abstract

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