Evaluation of treatment with hydrocortisone on oxidant/antioxidant system in preterm infants with BPD.

AIM: Evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). There is a close relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, it is aimed to investigate influences of hydrocortisone used in the treatment of BPD on anti-oxidant system in preterm infants with BPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 33 infants with severe BPD who were undergone inpatient treatment in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of our Hospital and received therapy with hydrocortisone. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) levels of infants enrolled to the study before and one week after the hydrocortisone therapy were studies and oxidative stress index levels were calculated. Pre- and post-treatment TOS, TAC and OSI index levels were statistically compared. RESULTS: In preterm infants with BPD, who were enrolled into the study, TOS and OSI index were found high, whereas TAC values were low. Following the treatment with hydrocortisone, statistically significant decrease in TOS and OSI index and statistically significant elevation in TAC levels were found in comparison with pre-treatment levels. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with hydrocortisone, which is used for BPD, improves anti-oxidant system and reduces oxidative stress in infants with BPD. There is need for further studies in order to clarify the physio-pathogenesis.