Rationale for deciding which glucocorticoid to use to treat preterm babies

Drugs known as glucocorticoids are used clinically to reduce the chance that a foetus at risk of premature delivery will develop respiratory distress syndrome, a serious complication of preterm birth and a significant cause of early neonatal death. They are also used postnatally to treat infants with life-threatening lung conditions. However, there are ongoing concerns about the therapy because, despite its effectiveness at improving lung function and reducing neonatal mortality, it adversely affects brain development and is associated with increased risk of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment...

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