Abstract 1114

Infants enrolled in the trial, Early Inhaled Glucocorticoid Therapy for Prevention of BPD, were assessed at 6±2 months corrected age (CA) for growth, rehospitalization, medications, and pulmonary function. Beclomethasone therapy was associated with less systemic steroid and bronchodilator therapy, but did not prevent BPD (Pediatr Res. 1998;43:278A). Histories and physical examinations were conducted at 3 study sites, and pulmonary function at 2 sites. Non-paired t tests were used for continuous variables, Wilcoxon rank sum tests for data not normally distributed, and chi square tests for categorical variables.

Results: Of 253 enrolled infants, 153 were evaluated; 116 of 153 infants (66 placebo; 50 beclomethasone) were assessed at 6±2 months CA. Groups were similar in growth, diuretic and bronchodilator therapy, and rehospitalizations. Among 86 infants with pulmonary function studies, 52 were assessed at 6±2 months CA. Groups were similar in O2 saturations at FiO2 21% and 17% over 6 minutes, and in pulmonary mechanics (minute ventilation, tidal volume, dynamic compliance, total pulmonary and expiratory resistance, FRC, FEV at 75%, 50%, and FEFmax at FRC, I and E time).

Conclusion: This regimen of early beclomethasone therapy was associated with no difference between groups in growth, rehospitalizations, medications, or pulmonary function at 6±2 months CA. Greater systemic steroid therapy in the placebo group may have masked differences between groups.