Postnatal Steroids Effects on Cardiac Function in Extremely Preterm

Summary

Hypothesis/Study question In infants born at less than 29 weeks of estimated gestational age, what are the effects of dexamethasone use on cardiac structure/performance and lung water content? Study objectives To measure effects before and after dexamethasone administration on cardiac structure/performance will be evaluated by using the M-mode technique (Devereux method (25-27) and lung water content will be specifically determined by the degree of water retention in premature lungs assessed by lung ultrasound at the pre specified time points. Methodology / Study design Single center, prospective observational cohort study planning to enroll eligible patients over a period of 12 months

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* \< 29 weeks of gestational age at birth admitted at the McGill University Children Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit
* To be initiated on dexamethasone therapy for treatment of significant lung disease as per medical team decision.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital heart disease (except: Atrial septum defect (ASD), Ventricular septum defect (VSD)
* Major congenital anomalies/genetic disorder (Trisomy 13, 18, 21)
* Congenital severe lung or airway malformation (Trachea-esophageal fistula, congenital pulmonary airway malformation, congenital diaphragmatic hernia)
* Twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Conditions2

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