Abstract
Introduction: The use of late (>7 days) postnatal corticosteroids (PNS) reduces mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) for the most high-risk infants, however, systematic reviews have not included sex as an influencing variable
Aims and objectives: To assess the influence of sex on the outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks corrected gestation in a population of infants born < 28 weeks of gestational age who received PNS
Methods: A whole population analysis of extremely premature infants born over five years in England was performed. PNS exposure defined as receiving hydrocortisone or dexamethasone for at least five consecutive days. BPD defined as receiving respiratory support or supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks correct postmenstrual age
Results: 10,655 premature infants survived to seven days, male sex was associated with an increased incidence of BPD (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.287-1.552, p=<0.001) and death (OR 1.227, 95%CI 1.123-1.452, p=<0.001). 2,344 infants (22%) received at least one course of PNS treatment at a median 23 days (IQR 15-40 days) of life. Despite no difference in gestational age, BW Z-scores or exposure to antenatal steroids, males were more likely to receive PNS 23.6% vs 20.1% of females, p=<0.001. Males were more likely to require repeated courses, mean 1.67 vs females, mean 1.59, p=0.027. Multivariate regression analysis identified no significant difference in outcomes between the sexes after receiving PNS
Conclusions: Both sexes had similar outcomes after receiving PNS, but a significantly greater number of males met the clinical threshold to receive PNS and were more likely to require multiple courses which exposes them to a greater risk of long-term adverse outcomes
Footnotes
Cite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 1717.
This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
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