The Effect of Postnatal Systemic Corticosteroid on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of postnatal systemic corticosteroids on neurodevelopment in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Methods This was a population-based study of the Korean Neonatal Network of VLBW infant born at 23+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation between 2013...

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Main Authors: Joo Yun Yang, Young Min Youn, Jung In Kang, Ye Jin Han, Do Kyung Lee, Hyun Kyung Bae, So-Yeon Shim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Korean Society of Neonatology 2025-05-01
Series:Neonatal Medicine
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Online Access:http://neo-med.org/upload/pdf/nm-2025-32-1-10.pdf
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Summary:Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of postnatal systemic corticosteroids on neurodevelopment in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Methods This was a population-based study of the Korean Neonatal Network of VLBW infant born at 23+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2020. VLBW preterm infants assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III) at 18–24 months of corrected age and 3 years of age were enrolled. The primary outcomes were BSID-III scores and neurodevelopmental delays, with scores of <85. Socioeconomic status and clinical variables were adjusted for using multivariate regression analyses. Results In total, 517 infants were enrolled in this study. Among the 216 (41.8%) infants who received postnatal systemic corticosteroids, the rate of cognitive delay was significantly higher at 18–24 months of corrected age than at 3 years of age. The rates of language and motor delays were significantly higher both at 18–24 months of corrected age and at 3 years of age. When multivariate logistic regression was performed, postnatal systemic corticosteroid use was significantly associated with cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years of age. There was no significant association between postnatal systemic corticosteroid use and language or motor delay at 18-24 months of corrected age or at 3 years of age after multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion Postnatal systemic corticosteroid use in VLBW preterm infants increased the risk of cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years.
ISSN:2287-9412
2287-9803