Postnatal Steroid (PNS) Administration: Rationale

PNS use refers to the administration of steroids to VLBW infants to prevent and/or treat Chronic Lung Disease (CLD). The rationale for their use is based on their anti-inflammatory actions (Groneck1993). The terms: steroids and corticosteroids are confusingly used as a shorthand for one agent: dexamethasone or to refer to a variety of differing corticosteroid agents. However, almost all of the data, especially as those related to long term benefits and risks, derive from the study of only one specific agent: dexamethasone. Because of the number and variety of studies completed around this topic, reviewers typically separate usage into three categories: 1) within 96 hours post-natal age, 2) between 7-14 days post-natal age, and 3) beyond 3 weeks post-natal age. Additionally, there are other routes and types of steroids used, and as well as varying uses, e.g. to treat hypotension, aid extubation and others that may yet emerge.