Postnatal corticosteroids for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Clin Perinatol. 2009 Mar;36(1):177-88. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2008.09.016.

Abstract

Corticosteroids are used to improve lung function in infants who are progressing toward bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Corticosteroids facilitate extubation, but there is conflicting information about adverse effects on the developing brain. An approach to minimizing risk is to use low-dose, short-duration treatments in the highest risk ventilator-dependent patients. Questions remain about which corticosteroid is the safest and how to dose that corticosteroid.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / drug therapy*
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lung / drug effects

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids