Objectives:

1. To assess the effect of hydrocortisone initiated between 7 and 14 days after birth on death or BPD in very preterm infants.

2. The primary outcome was a composite of death or BPD assessed at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.

3. Among mechanically ventilated very preterm infants, administration of hydrocortisone between 7 and 14 days after birth, compared with placebo, did not improve the composite outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.