Early administration of inhaled corticosteroids for preventing chronic lung disease in ventilated very low birth weight preterm neonates

Preterm babies who require breathing support often develop chronic lung disease. It is thought that inflammation in the lungs may be part of the cause. Corticosteroid drugs when given orally or through a vein reduces this inflammation. However, the use of corticosteroids is associated with serious side effects. Corticosteroids use has been associated with cerebral palsy (motor problem) and developmental delay. It is possible that inhaling steroids, so that the drug directly reaches the lung, may reduce the adverse effects. This review looked at trials that compared preterm babies who received steroids by inhalation to those who received inhaled placebo (pretend drug) while they were receiving breathing support. There was no evidence that the early administration of inhaled steroids for babies on mechanical ventilation in neonatal intensive care reduces chronic lung disease.