Neonatal steroid exposure and body composition in preterm infants at discharge

Pediatric Research 2026 Open access

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Authors: Megan Kraemer, Tricia J. Johnson, Katherine Bell, Delaney Mulcahy, Leah Cerwinske, Kousiki Patra, Bradley M. Appelhans, Jieun David, Mandy Brown Belfort, Quyen M. Diep, Aloka L. Patel
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-026-04796-w
Cited by: 2
References: 53

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids are frequently used in very preterm (VPT) infants. Corticosteroids can increase adiposity and decrease lean mass, with unclear effects in VPT infants. We hypothesized that corticosteroid exposure in VPT infants would be associated with increased fat mass (FM), %FM, and decreased fat-free mass (FFM). METHODS: This prospective study included 62 infants

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neonatal Respiratory Health Research Birth Development and Health Infant Nutrition and Health

Publication details

Journal / source
Pediatric Research
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication date
27 February 2026
Language
EN