Postnatal dexamethasone: what is the real cost-benefit ratio?
Postnatal corticosteroids given early after birth reduce the risk of chronic lung disease in preterm infants but are associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of adverse neurosensory outcomes. Corticosteroids given after 7-10 d of age appear not to have these increased risks of neurosensory sequelae and reduce time on the ventilator.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed to determine the lowest dose of corticosteroid that will improve lung function and minimize risks to the developing brain.
Halliday
H L
HL
Regional Neonatal Unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Department of Child Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. h.halliday @qub.ac.uk
D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D003907:Dexamethasone