Abstract
Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common adverse outcome of very premature birth and is associated with chronic respiratory morbidity. Objective: To determine if there were preventative therapies proven safe and efficacious in appropriately powered randomised trials. Methods: A literature review was undertaken. Results: Systemically administered corticosteroids, if given in the first 2 weeks, do significantly reduce BPD but have serious side effects. Vitamin A also reduces BPD, but has side effects, and further investigation is needed to identify the safest dosage regimen. There are, however, promising therapies that include antioxidants, low-dose nitric oxide and methylxanthines. Conclusion: Further work is necessary to identify safe and effective preventative drugs for BPD.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 537 - 546 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2008 |
Keywords
- Nitric Oxide
- Infant
- Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Xanthines
- Protease Inhibitors
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones