The Use of Dexamethasone in Premature Infants at Risk for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Who Already Have Developed Chronic Lung Disease: A Cautionary Note

In Reply.— Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder. One can read the literature on treatment of early bronchopulmonarly dysplasia (BPD) with dexamethasone and make the case either that the lady is beautiful or that she is ugly. On the beautiful side, most observers have noted a rapid improvement in lung compliance and a higher incidence of acute weaning off the respirator. Some studies have shown shortened time in oxygen and even shorter hospitalization.