Postnatal Corticosteroids to Prevent or Treat Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major morbidity for infants born preterm. Postnatal corticosteroids might reduce the risk of developing BPD, or reduce its severity when it occurs, because of their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. However, corticosteroids have adverse effects, including on the developing brain. There have been numerous randomized clinical trials of corticosteroids given via various routes, of varying types, and started at different postnatal ages. There is some evidence that inhaled corticosteroids started earlier in the postnatal period may reduce BPD, but increase mortality. Inhaled corticosteroids started after the first week of age have little effect, but da..