Chronic use of steroids in premature infants has been associated with which condition?

• A. Osteopenia
• B. Cholestasis
• C. Nephrolithiasis
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Chronic exposure to glucocorticoids in premature infants primarily disrupts bone mineralization. Steroids inhibit osteoblast activity and promote osteoclast survival, decrease intestinal calcium absorption, and increase renal calcium excretion, all of which shift the balance toward bone loss. In the already vulnerable bones of preterm babies, this leads to osteopenia and a higher risk of fractures.

Cholestasis, nephrolithiasis, and hypoglycemia are less directly linked to chronic steroid exposure in this context. Cholestasis in premature infants is more commonly related to liver dysfunction or parenteral nutrition, not a typical consequence of steroids. Nephrolithiasis isn’t a classic consequence of prolonged glucocorticoids in this population, and steroids more often cause hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia.