Efficacy and safety of systemic hydrocortisone for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: Early systemic hydrocortisone is a modestly effective therapy for the prevention of BPD in preterm infants, although some safety concerns remain. No conclusions could be drawn for late hydrocortisone due to the paucity of studies.What is Known:•Preterm infants are at high risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and early lung inflammation plays a significant role in its pathogenesis.•Both early and late systemic dexamethasone seems to reduce the incidence of BPD, but its use is associated with serious neurodevelopmental impairment at follow-up.What is New:•Early systemic hydrocortisone significantly improved survival without BPD at 36  weeks and survival without moderate to severe neurodevelopmental impairment on follow up.•Incidence of gastrointestinal perforation associated with concurrent treatment for PDA was significantly higher, although early systemic hydrocortisone reduced the need for treatment of PDAs.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research