Postnatal steroids are not recommended

摘要

This review outlines the history of postnatal corticosteroid use in neonatology. Initially uncontrolled trials, although showing no benefit and probable harm, were followed by a large number of randomised controlled trials. These and subsequent systematic reviews indicated that adverse effects on the gastrointestinal and nervous systems outweighed any beneficial effects on pulmonary function. Postnatal corticosteroids, especially given early after birth to treat or prevent chronic lung disease cannot be recommended.