Aim of the study: To compare the effect of systemic versus inhaled corticosteroids on blood glucose levels in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) of premature neonates. Methods: Preliminary results of prospective, randomised trial with premature infants fulfilling requirement the following criteria are discussed: birthweight << 1500 g; gestation << 34. weeks; need of mechanical ventilation for more than 4 days or oxygen supplementation for more than 10 days, BPD signs on chest X-ray. A total number of 32 patients was evaluated, median birthweight 957.4 g (range 600 - 1450 g), middle gestational week at birth 27.6 w.g. (24. - 31. w.g.). Two statistically comparable groups of patients were established: Group A: Parenteral administration of dexamethasone (Dexona); group B: budesonide (Pulmicort susp. nebul.) by inhalation. Blood glucose levels were monitored according to the age and condition of the infant once to several times per day. Results: A statistically significant influence of parenteral corticosteroid administration on the increase of the blood glucose level over normal was found (A: 15 of 20 (75 %), B: 3 of 12 (25 %), p << 0.01). Parenteral administration of corticosteroids was significantly associated with a higher frequency of hyperglycaemic episodes.

        Key words: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroid, hyperglycaemia, premature neonate, chronic lung disease