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Postnatal corticosteroids and developmental outcomes in extremely preterm or extremely low birth weight infants: The

Ellen Douglas1, Kate A Hodgson1,2, Joy E Olsen1,3

  • 1Newborn Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|January 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

High cumulative postnatal corticosteroid doses in extremely preterm (EP) or extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants are linked to increased cerebral palsy risk. Further research is needed to confirm effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Systemic postnatal corticosteroids are used for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm (EP) or extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
  • These treatments carry risks of long-term harm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cumulative postnatal corticosteroid dose and neurodevelopmental outcomes in EP/ELBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal cohort study of EP/ELBW livebirths in Victoria, Australia (2016-2017).
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment at 2 years corrected age.
  • Linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for gestational age, birth weight, sex, and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Main Results:

  • Higher cumulative corticosteroid doses were associated with increased odds of cerebral palsy (adjusted OR 1.47).
  • A trend towards lower cognitive and motor scores was observed, but this weakened after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions:

  • Increased cumulative postnatal corticosteroid dose in EP/ELBW infants correlates with higher cerebral palsy rates at 2 years corrected age.
  • Larger studies are required to fully elucidate the independent impact of cumulative steroid dose on neurodevelopment.
Abstract

Keywords:
developmentprematuritysteroid

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