Posted on 09/06/2022 4:23:29 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
A new study shows treating these babies with a lower dose of dexamethasone, not only leads to less time on ventilators, but notes its beneficial effects on blood circulation to the lungs, influencing better cardiorespiratory outcomes.
Babies born before the 28th week of pregnancy are classed as extremely preterm. To speed up lung development and to allow weaning from ventilator support, these babies are routinely given systemic corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone (Dex), which reduces inflammation and aids ventilation. However, in high doses (5-10mg per kilo for six weeks) Dex can lead to significant thickening of the walls of the heart and developmental issues in infants.
Researchers studied 30 preterm babies born at 24 weeks (full term is 40 weeks) receiving low-dose Dex (1mg or less per kilo for 10 days) to help their lung development. A bedside echocardiogram was done on the babies to measure cardiorespiratory indices before and after receiving this steroid.
The team found that the lower dose of Dex lead to reduced respiratory support requirements and no left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the walls of the heart). Furthermore, they found significant lowering of resistance and pressure in the babies' lungs, which allows better blood circulation and therefore better oxygenation.
Lead author Professor Sehgal says "We knew that the lower dose regimen worked from a respiratory perspective, but what was new was the knowledge that it improves lung blood circulation, and does not adversely affect the heart. Parents of preterm babies suffer from a lot of understandable anxiety, which is exacerbated by being able to find out on the internet about the side-effects of the higher dose of dexamethasone. This study will reassure them and the clinicians that the lower dose both works well on the lungs and leaves the heart architecture unaffected."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Warning- depending on how premature a baby is,there is a possibility that the steroids could interfere with their gender identity formation.
I am not making this up. Check the literature on the impact of stetoids on babies in utero.
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