A Three-day Course of Dexamethasone Therapy to Prevent Chronic Lung Disease in Ventilated Neonates: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

We conclude that an early 3-day course of dexamethasone therapy increases survival without CLD, reduces CLD, and reduces late dexamethasone therapy in high-risk, low birth weight infants who receive surfactant therapy for respiratory distress syndrome. Potential benefits of early dexamethasone therapy at the dosing schedule used in this trial need to be weighed against the risk for early intestinal perforation.