Abstract
This statement is intended for health care professionals caring for neonates and young infants. The objectives of this statement are to review the short- and long-term effects of systemic and inhaled postnatal corticosteroids for the prevention or treatment of evolving or established chronic lung disease and to make recommendations for the use of corticosteroids in infants with very low birth weight. The routine use of systemic dexamethasone for the prevention or treatment of chronic lung disease in infants with very low birth weight is not recommended.
Highlights
Postnatal corticosteroids have been used for prevention and treatment of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD), a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants
As both dexamethasone and hydrocortisone administration within the first seven days of life is associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy, early postnatal corticosteroid therapy is not recommended to prevent CLD
While routine dexamethasone therapy of all ventilated infants is not recommended, clinicians may consider a short course of low-dose dexamethasone for individual infants at high risk of or with severe CLD
Summary
Postnatal corticosteroids have been used for prevention and treatment of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) ( know as bronchopulmonary dysplasia), a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Postnatal corticosteroids to treat or prevent chronic lung disease in preterm infants Ann L Jefferies; Canadian Paediatric Society, Fetus and Newborn Committee As both dexamethasone and hydrocortisone administration within the first seven days of life is associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy, early postnatal corticosteroid therapy is not recommended to prevent CLD.
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