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Corticosteroids for the treatment and prevention of chronic lung disease

R F Soil1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405, USA. roger.soll@vtmednet.org

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Postnatal corticosteroids can prevent chronic lung disease in premature infants. However, significant neurodevelopmental risks often outweigh benefits, leading to continued, evidence-unsupported use in some centers.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Postnatal corticosteroids are explored for preventing chronic lung disease in very low birthweight infants requiring ventilation.
  • Concerns about severe neurodevelopmental consequences have prompted recommendations to limit their use.

Discussion:

  • Despite documented risks, postnatal corticosteroid use persists in European and North American centers.
  • Therapeutic approaches often lack alignment with current evidence, raising clinical practice concerns.

Key Insights:

  • The use of postnatal corticosteroids in very low birthweight infants presents a complex risk-benefit balance.
  • Evidence-based guidelines for corticosteroid use in neonatal intensive care are crucial.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to refine optimal treatment strategies and minimize adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Emphasis on evidence-based practice is essential for improving long-term infant health outcomes.
Abstract

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