Very low-dose dexamethasone to facilitate extubation of preterm babies at risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: the MINIDEX feasibility RCT

Background: Postnatal corticosteroids are used to improve lung function and reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies. However, corticosteroids may be associated with adverse neurodevelopment. Despite a lack of evidence, some clinicians in the UK use very low-dose regimens of dexamethasone hoping for positive pulmonary effects and optimal neurodevelopment. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of very low-dose dexamethasone at facilitating the extubation of ventilator-dependent preterm babies born at