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Am J Perinatol 2011; 28(8): 635-642
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1276738
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Growth and Neurodevelopment in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Neonates Exposed to Postnatal Steroid Therapy

Judy L. LeFlore1 , William D. Engle2
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington
  • 2The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 April 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We compared postnatal growth and neurodevelopment in extremely low-birth-weight (<1000 g) neonates who did or did not receive postnatal steroid (PNS) therapy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). One hundred seventy-three neonates with Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID II) testing performed at 18- to 22-month adjusted age were studied. Growth parameters and BSID II scales were compared among three groups: group I, no BPD; group II, BPD, no PNS; group III, BPD and PNS exposure. A subset of 77 neonates' growth parameters were retrieved at 12-month adjusted age. Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) and Mental Development Index (MDI) scales were lower in group III versus groups I and II. Growth velocity (GV) was lower in group III versus group I and II during the initial hospital stay. In the subset, GV from birth to 1-year adjusted age and weight, length, and head circumference determined at 1-year adjusted age were similar among the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant effect of group membership and cystic periventricular leukomalacia on PDI. These results suggest that a deleterious effect of PNS therapy on neurodevelopment can occur by a mechanism that does not impair overall growth or growth of head circumference.

KEYWORDS

Neonate - preterm - dexamethasone - bronchopulmonary dysplasia - chronic lung disease - neurodevelopment

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William D EngleM.D. 

Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390-9063

Email: William.Engle@utsouthwestern.edu

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