This narrative review explores the effects of postnatal corticosteroids on growth and neurodevelopment in preterm infants, indicating the need for a comprehensive approach.
Background: Postnatal corticosteroids (CS) improve respiratory outcomes in preterm infants, but effects on growth and neurodevelopment remain incompletely understood. Methods: This third instalment of a narrative review series builds on physiologic principles to examine systemic CS consequences. Main Findings: We explore the interplay between growth restriction, hypoxia, and neurodevelopmental vulnerability, discussing brain imaging, metabolic disruptions, and HPA axis suppression. Conclusion: This review advocates for a holistic, physiology-informed approach to optimize outcomes by integrating nutritional vulnerability with cardiorespiratory status.
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Plessas-Azurduy et al. (2026) studied this question.
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