Rationale and Comments

High-dose dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg day) does not appear to confer additional therapeutic benefit over lower doses and is not recommended. High doses also have been associated with numerous short- and long-term adverse outcomes, including neurodevelopmental impairment.

Sponsoring Organizations

• American Academy of Pediatrics

Sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines

Disciplines

• Neonatology
• Pulmonary medicine

References

• Watterberg KL; American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Policy statement–postnatal corticosteroids to prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Pediatrics. 2010 Oct;126(4):800–8.