Aerobic fitness and physical activity levels of children born prematurely following randomization to postnatal dexamethasone.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of postnatal dexamethasone treatment on aerobic fitness and physical activity levels in school-aged children born with very low birth weight (VLBW).


METHODS
This was a follow-up study of 65 VLBW infants who participated in a randomized controlled trial of dexamethasone (DEX) to reduce ventilator dependency. Aerobic fitness was determined from peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) with a cycle ergometer. Habitual physical activity was assessed by questionnaire.


RESULTS
A trend for a treatment with an interaction between treatment and of diagnosis of chronic lung disease (CLD) was found, with the children in the placebo group with CLD having the lowest VO(2peak) (P = .09). Reduced fitness was seen in 53% of the group treated with DEX and 48% of the group given placebo. No between-group differences in physical activity were seen. Parental reports suggested that nearly two-thirds of the children participated in < 1 hour per week of vigorous physical activity, which was explained in part by decreased large airway function (r = 0.30; P = .03).


CONCLUSIONS
We found no adverse effect of postnatal DEX on aerobic fitness or habitual physical activity at school age. However, the reduced fitness and physical activity levels emphasize the need for closer follow-up and early interventions promoting physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic disease in this at-risk population.
Nixon
Patricia A
PA
Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7868, USA. nixonpa@wfu.edu
Washburn
Lisa K
LK
Mudd
Lanay M
LM
Webb
Heather H
HH
O'Shea
T Michael
TM
D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D010809:Physical Fitness
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone