The objective of this study was to assess minor neurological dysfunction,
cognitive development, and somatic development after dexamethasone therapy in
very-low-birthweight infants. Thirty-three children after dexamethasone treatment
were matched to 33 children without dexamethasone treatment. Data were assessed
at the age of 3—7 years. Dexamethasone was started between the 7th and the 28th
day of life over 7 days with a total dose of 2.35 mg/kg/day. Exclusion criteria were
asphyxia, malformations, major surgical interventions, small for gestational age,
intraventricular haemorrhage grades III and IV, periventricular leukomalacia, and
severe psychomotor retardation. Each child was examined by a neuropediatrician for
minor neurological dysfunctions and tested by a psychologist for cognitive development
with a Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children and a Draw-a-Man Test. There
were no differences in demographic data, growth, and socio-economic status
between the two groups. Fine motor skills and gross motor function were
significantly better in the control group ( pb0.01). In the Draw-a-Man Test, the
control group showed better results ( pb0.001). There were no differences in
development of speech, social development, and the Kaufman Assessment Battery
for Children. After dexamethasone treatment, children showed a higher rate of
minor neurological dysfunctions. Neurological development was affected even
without neurological diagnosis. Further long-term follow-up studies will be necessary
to fully evaluate the impact of dexamethasone on neurological and cognitive
development.