Project Details

Efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids on the lung function of premature children in Bangladesh

Eric McCollum, MD

Summary

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are susceptible to airway and lung injury, inflammation, and fibrotic changes, which can lead to chronic lung disease. GAP: The magnitude and pattern of lung function deficits among premature infants and preschool children in low-resource countries, and whether antenatal corticosteroids mitigates any lung function deficits, is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that lung injury associated with prematurity is mitigated by antenatal corticosteroids, improving lung growth during early life among the offspring of women randomized to antenatal corticosteroids, versus placebo. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study of two randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Pending. IMPACT: These data will be disseminated to policy makers in South Asia and at global levels for consideration in WHO, regional, and national clinical guidelines for the clinical care of women at risk of premature birth and their offspring.