Corticosteroid Use in Premature Babies and Lung Ultrasonografi Use in the Progression to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common morbidities in premature infants and is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes . Although mechanical ventilation and oxygen requirements in premature infants have been identified as triggering mechanisms for the development of inflammation and BPD over time, data now support that a number of perinatal events that may stimulate the inflammatory cascade before birth also have important effects. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and hydrocortisone have proven to be beneficial for the prevention and management of postpartum BPD due to their anti-inflammatory properties . With this study, the effects of corticosteroid use on lung ultrasound findings in BPD will be investigated, and acute and chronic lung ultrasonography scores will be recorded. A prospective observational study was planned in the neonatal intensive care unit between 2022 and 2024 in premature infants below 32 weeks of gestational age. Demographic data and Lung Ultrasonography findings of these babies will be recorded. Among the patients who are predicted to go to BPD, in the group using corticosteroids, Lung Ultrasonographic imaging will be performed and the effect of corticosteroids on pulmonary findings will be recorded. It is planned to investigate whether postnatal steroid use has an effect on lung ultrasound findings in preterm infants with BPD.

Inclusion Criteria:Those who were born in Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine Hospital or who were born in other hospitals and were admitted to Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the first 48 hours of life.Gestational age below 32/7 weeksThose who will be administered postnatal corticosteroids with the decision of the consultant by meeting the diagnostic criteria for going to BPDInformed consent was obtained from the familyExclusion Criteria:Those with cyanotic congenital heart diseaseThose with lung and thorax malformations,Those with major congenital anomaliesNewborns who do not meet the criteria for postnatal corticosteroid therapy or who are not given postnatal corticosteroids by the consultantThe family's refusal to give informed consent