Late Hydrocortisone in Mechanically Ventilated, Extremely Preterm Infants

Hydrocortisone begun in the second week of life did not lessen rates of a composite outcome of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common and serious complication of extreme prematurity. Since inflammation is believed to be one of the important causes of BPD, steroid regimens are often used to prevent or modify progression of the disease. Previous trials of early preventative hydrocortisone therapy have had variable results, which has led to the consideration of later hydrocortisone use in infants at high risk.

This trial enrolled 372 preterm infants receiving treatment across 19 neonatal intensive care units in the Netherlands and Belgium. Infants with a gestational age <30 weeks (or birth weight <1250 g, or both) who were aged 7–14 days and ventilator dependent were randomized to 22 days of intravenous hydrocortisone (cumulative d…

Reviewing Author

Robin H. Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin H. Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Late Hydrocortisone in Mechanically Ventilated, Extremely Preterm Infants

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Reviewing Author