Early (< 8 days) postnatal corticosteroids for preventing chronic lung disease in preterm infants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic lung disease (CLD) remains a major problem in neonatal intensive care units. Persistent inflammation in the lungs is the most likely underlying pathogenesis. Corticosteroids have been used to either prevent or treat CLD because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects. OBJECTIVES: To determine if postnatal corticosteroid treatment is of benefit in the prevention of chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants. This review examines the outcome of trials where preterm infants at risk of CLD were given postnatal corticosteroids within the first seven days of life. SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of postnatal corticosteroid therapy were sought from the ..