Corticosteroid Response in Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity

ABSTRACT

The medical records of 23 infants with stable chronic lung diseases of prematurity who were treated wtih corticosteroids during the second month of life were reviewed. Thirteen (56.5%) had significant improvement in lung function as evidenced by a mean decrease in Δ AaPO₂ of 49.5% and a mean decrease in PaCO₂ of 15.4%. These proved to be long-lasting effects. Infants who responded to corticosteroids had significantly lower mean gestational age, birthweight, and percent loss of birthweight when compared with the infants who did not improve with this treatment. In addition, the number of days they required supplemental oxygen were fewer. Thus, corticosteroids may be beneficial therapeutically for some premature infants with chronic lung disease. Alternatively, corticosteroid responsiveness may differentiate types of chronic lung disease with improved prognoses. Controlled clinical trials are necessary before corticosteroids can be recommended in treating or evaluating chronic lung disease of prematurity.