Corticosteroids for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: an overview of Cochrane reviews

ConclusionSystemic corticosteroids decrease BPD and early mortality in premature infants but have a risk of complications, particularly when initiated in the first week of life. Owing to the wide range of dosing protocols, timing of initiation, doses and duration of therapy in the included reviews, it is difficult to determine, based on the evidence examined in this overview, a protocol that is both safe and effective. Further research should focus on determining the most effective dose and timing of corticosteroid administration beyond the first week of life to maximize benefit in decreasing BPD and mortality while avoiding short‐ and long‐term harms.
Source: Evidence-Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Overview of Reviews Source Type: research