Postnatal glucocorticoid therapy for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: routes of administration compared.
Postnatal systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid therapies continue to be used in the management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Systemic dexamethasone therapy has been studied longer than aerosolized glucocorticoid therapy. Several prophylactic trials of systemic dexamethasone therapy demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of BPD and neonatal mortality. However, evidence of potentially serious acute and long-term adverse effects has reduced enthusiasm for use of systemic dexamethasone therapy. Although no trial to date of inhaled glucocorticoid therapy showed a reduction in the incidence of BPD, some studies demonstrated secondary pulmonary benefits with few short-term adverse effects. This article compares the clinical efficacy and safety of these two routes of administration of glucocorticoid therapy.
Cole
C H
CH
Division of Newborn Medicine, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. ccole@lifespan.org
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone