Single Arm Study on Treatment Algorithm to Justify Steroid Use in Selected Preterm Neonates to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Most preterm babies require supplemental oxygen for a variable period of time, up to several weeks or months after birth. The aim of oxygen therapy is to achieve adequate oxygen supply to the tissues without causing oxygen toxicity and oxidative stress. The current routine monitoring relies on oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry without identifying the underlying pathology, as lung parenchyma and pulmonary vascular disease can be contributed in pathophysiology at variable degrees.

Steroids usage for prevention of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia also has been shown to have adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Available data are conflicting and inconclusive; clinicians must use their own clinical judgment to balance the adverse effects of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia with the potential adverse effects of treatments for each individual patient. Very low birth weight infants who remain on mechanical ventilation after 1 to 2 weeks of age are at very high risk of developing Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

When considering corticosteroid therapy for such an infant, clinicians might conclude that the risks of a short course of glucocorticoid therapy to prevent Bronchopulmonary dysplasia are warranted.