Future of Neuroprotective Therapies in the Nicu for Premature Infants: A Summary

Moderate to severe neuro-developmental delays, behavioral problems, and mental health disorders are more common in premature infants, and they can have a lasting detrimental effect on their quality of life. Furthermore, babies that are born with a super low weight, less than 1000g, are more likely to have long-term problems that will cost more in the long run. Consequently, it is more effective to involve parents at an early stage so that they can create a setting that is both neuroprotective and developmentally beneficial for their baby. Studies have primarily shown short-term benefits for prenatal steroid therapy, but minimal effect of these therapies on long time for the development of neuronal development. Despite this, magnesium and antenatal steroids have become conventional medications for preterm new-borns. Developing better neuromonitoring technologies to optimize trial recruitment, more accurate biomarkers to measure treatment response, and more effective neuroprotective and neurorestorative medicines is critical.