Efficacy and safety of systemic hydrocortisone for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Early lung inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We aimed to establish the efficacy and safety of systemic hydrocortisone for the prevention of BPD. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken, with a detailed electronic literature search. Trials involving preterm infants were included if they were randomised to receive systemic hydrocortisone or a placebo. The primary outcome was the composite of survival without BPD at 36-week postmenstrual age (PMA). Results are presented as relative risk (RR) or risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), along with numbers needed to treat (NNT) or harm (NNH). After filtering, 12 studies using early (within 1 week of birth) and two using late hydrocortisone were identified. Early systemic hydrocortisone significantly increased the chances of survival without BPD (RR 1.13, 95% CI [1.01, 1.26], NNT 18), and survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment (1.13 [1.02, 1.26], NNT 14). Infants who received hydrocortisone had a higher risk of intestinal perforation (1.69 [1.07, 2.68], NNH 30), primarily with concurrent treatment for patent ductus arteriosus. Conclusion: Early systemic hydrocortisone is a modestly effective therapy for the prevention of BPD in preterm infants, although some safety concerns remain. No conclusions could be drawn for late hydrocortisone due to the paucity of studies. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00431-019-03398-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.