Gestational Age (GA), birthweight (BW), Intravenous antibiotics (IVABx), total parental nutrition (TPN), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), High Frequency Oscillation ventilation (HFOV), Mean Airway Pressure (MAP), inspired oxygen (FiO₂), oxygen saturations (SpO₂), partial pressure of carbon dioxide on blood gas (pCO₂), Haemoglobin (Hb), Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), chest xray (CXR)

Table 2 shows the comparisons between the two groups; successfully extubated (N=175) and not successfully extubated (N = 112) within 14 days of commencing dexamethasone. Compared with those that were not successfully extubated, those who were successfully extubated were more mature at birth or had higher birthweights. They were also heavier at the time of starting dexamethasone and more mature (corrected GA), and older (postnatal age in days). Successfully extubated babies were more likely off PN. These infants also had less severe BPD on their chest x-rays.

Those not successfully extubated by 14 days after starting dexamethasone were more likely to have had: a recent echocardiogram that showed a PDA, higher MAPs and FiO₂ requirements and ventilated using HFOV at the time of starting dexamethasone.

Table 2. Univariate analysis between the two groups:successfully extubated within 14 days of commencing dexamethasone and not successfully extubated .