Authors: Yu-Chen Wang, Chiung-Chun Huang, Kuei-Sen Hsu
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012806
Abstract Summary
Neonatal dexamethasone treatment in preterm infants may cause lasting neurodevelopmental deficits, but new research suggests supporting normal growth could mitigate these effects. Using a rat model, scientists found that dexamethasone altered hippocampal synaptic plasticity and impaired memory. Crucially, growth-restricted animals showed worse outcomes than those with better nutrition.
Why Brain? đź§
Neonatal dexamethasone causes lasting brain damage in preterm infants, but supporting normal growth may prevent memory and learning deficits by reducing harmful effects on hippocampal development.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
