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  • Original Article
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Long-term sequelae of postnatal surfactant and corticosteroid therapies for BPD

Abstract

Objective:

This retrospective analysis assessed the relationship between medical treatment (postnatal steroids, surfactant) received neonatally and outcomes at 3 and 8 years using a longitudinal sample of children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Study Design:

Four groups were formed retrospectively based on the type of neonatal medical treatment received: no drug intervention (n=37), surfactant only (n=29), postnatal steroids only (n=13) and combined surfactant and postnatal steroids (n=16). Groups were compared on neurological and medical outcomes.

Result:

Combined postnatal steroids and surfactant treatment was associated with more days on supplemental oxygen than no intervention or surfactant only. Surfactant replacement therapy alone was not associated with adverse consequences; however, postnatal steroid exposure appeared to be related.

Conclusion:

Although retrospective analyses make statements about causation impossible, the differential relationships of therapies with cognitive outcomes argues for careful monitoring of therapeutic agents with very low birth weight infants.

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Acknowledgements

Support was provided by grants MCJ-390592, MC-00127 and MC-00334 from the Maternal and Child Health Program, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD. We thank Terri Lotz-Ganley for her assistance on this project and the families for their continued participation. Support was provided by grants MCJ-390592, MC-00127 and MC-00334 from the Maternal and Child Health Program, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD.

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Short, E., Kirchner, H., Asaad, G. et al. Long-term sequelae of postnatal surfactant and corticosteroid therapies for BPD. J Perinatol 28, 498–504 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2008.30

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