Single Course Of Antenatal Corticosteroids Research Articles

The Impact of Infant Sex on Multiple Courses versus a Single Course of Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Animal literature has suggested that the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) may vary by infant sex. Our objective was to assess the impact of infant sex on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of ACS and perinatal outcomes. We conducted a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth trial, which randomly allocated pregnant people to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. Our primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or clinically significant neonatal morbidity (including neonatal death, stillbirth, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage [grade III or IV], cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis [stage II or III]). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome as well as anthropometric measures. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants who received multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. An interaction between exposure to ACS and infant sex was assessed for significance and multivariable regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for predefined covariates, when feasible. Data on 2,300 infants were analyzed. The interaction term between treatment status (multiple courses vs. a single course of ACS) and infant sex was not significant for the primary outcome (p = 0.86), nor for any of the secondary outcomes (p > 0.05). Infant sex did not modify the association between exposure to ACS and perinatal outcomes including perinatal mortality or neonatal morbidity or anthropometric outcomes. However, animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after exposure to ACS may emerge over time and thus investigating long-term sex-specific outcomes warrants further attention. · We explored the impact of infant sex on perinatal outcomes after multiple versus a single course of ACS.. · Infant sex was not a significant effect modifier of ACS exposure and perinatal outcomes.. · Animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after ACS exposure may emerge over time.. · Further investigation of long-term sex-specific outcomes is warranted..

50 Years of Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Systematic Review

Summary The administration of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) to accelerate fetal lung maturation is considered one of the most valuable antenatal therapies in preterm labour. Although early indications that administering antenatal corticosteroids has a positive impact on fetal lung maturation and despite the widespread recommendations to use this treatment in women at risk of preterm birth, there is still some uncertainty regarding its effectiveness, particularly in lower-resource settings and in high-risk groups such as women with hypertension or multiple pregnancies. The optimal timing of administration has not improved in over 50 years. This assessment aimed to evaluate the effects of administering a course of corticosteroids to women before anticipated preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) on fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, maternal mortality and morbidity, and the child’s health later in life. It is advised that clinicians only administer a single course of ACS in high-risk cases of preterm birth likely to occur within the next seven days, and the gestational age is between 22+0 and 33+6 weeks. The diagnosis of preterm labour should be made based on available resources and expertise and supported by comprehensive protocols in the relevant setting.

The role of infant sex as a potential effect modifier between multiple courses versus a single course of antenatal corticosteroids and perinatal outcomes: A secondary analysis of the MACS randomized controlled trial

To assess the role of infant sex as a potential effect modifier on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) and perinatal outcomes through a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Unresolved issues on the antenatal use of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) for fetal lung maturation is celebrating the 50th anniversary. The most recent Cochrane review concluded that there is robust evidence that a single course of ACS reduces the risk of perinatal death and respiratory distress syndrome. Some aspects of ACS remain unresolved, including variations in the steroids regimen, effectiveness in certain groups, long-term effects, optimal timing of ACS administration in elective cases. it is well established that a single course of betamethasone or dexamethasone is beneficial in cases of anticipated preterm birth and delivery eventually occurs between two and seven days from administration. The main focus for future research should be on limiting the unnecessary exposure in low-risk pregnancies and investigating the effect in specific groups, periviable and late preterm fetuses.

Neonatal outcomes by delivery indication after administration of antenatal late preterm corticosteroids

Antenatal corticosteroids, specifically betamethasone, administered to patients at risk for late preterm delivery have been associated with reduced rates of neonatal respiratory complications. However, whether these risks vary by delivery indication among betamethasone-exposed, late-preterm infants is not known. This study aimed to evaluate if spontaneous preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, compared with indicated late preterm delivery, is associated with better neonatal respiratory outcomes after accounting for betamethasone administration in the late preterm period. This was a secondary analysis of the Antenatal Late Preterm Steroids trial, a multicenter, placebo-controlled trial in which patients with singleton pregnancies at risk for delivery at 34 0/7 to 36 5/7 weeks of gestation were randomized to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids (betamethasone) or placebo. Patients were eligible if they had spontaneous preterm labor, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, or if they were undergoing indicated late preterm delivery. The primary outcome was a composite of need for respiratory support, stillbirth, or neonatal death within 72 hours after delivery. Secondary outcomes included individual neonatal morbidities. Bivariate analyses were performed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to control for potential confounders. Using the indicated preterm delivery group as the reference group, adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the outcomes by delivery indication. Subgroup analyses separately examined the treatment and placebo groups to determine the odds of the primary outcome by delivery indication. Of 2827 participants at high risk for late preterm delivery, 1427 (50.5%) received betamethasone. There were 790 (27.9%) infants born after preterm labor, 620 (21.9%) born after preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, and 1417 (50.1%) born after indicated preterm delivery. Compared with indicated preterm delivery, the odds of the primary outcome were lower among those born after preterm labor (7.3% vs 16.4%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.82) and among those born after preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (12.4% vs 16.4%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.69). Preterm labor had lower odds of all neonatal complications except feeding problems, and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes had lower odds of all neonatal complications except newborn intensive care unit admission for ≥3 days when compared with indicated preterm delivery. For the placebo group, the odds of the primary outcome were lower for the preterm labor group (8.2% vs 18.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.91) and the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes group (13.2% vs 18.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.73) than for the indicated preterm delivery group. For those exposed to betamethasone, the odds of the primary outcome remained lower for the preterm labor group (6.5% vs 14.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.99) and the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes group (11.7% vs 14.3%, adjusted odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.91) than for the indicated preterm delivery group. Compared with indicated preterm delivery, preterm labor and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes were associated with reduced odds of neonatal respiratory complications irrespective of betamethasone exposure in the late preterm period.

Evaluation of Long-term Outcomes Associated With Preterm Exposure to Antenatal Corticosteroids

Animal studies have found that antenatal corticosteroids affect many organs across multiple stages of life. However, the long-term outcomes in human children are not well understood. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcomes associated with preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids compared with no exposure in all children as well as children with preterm and full-term birth. Academic databases were searched for articles published from January 1, 2000, to October 29, 2021, including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar. References of articles were also searched for relevant studies. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies that assessed long-term neurodevelopmental, psychological, or other outcomes at 1 year or older in those who had preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids were included. No language restrictions were set. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a piloted data extraction form. Data on study population, pregnancy characteristics, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes were collected. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines were followed, and random-effects models were used for the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was an author-defined composite of any adverse neurodevelopmental and/or psychological disorder. The secondary outcomes included specific measures of psychological disorders; neurodevelopmental delay; and anthropometric, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory outcomes. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, and involved more than 1.25 million children who were at least 1 year of age when the outcomes were assessed. Exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids for children with extremely preterm birth was associated with a significant reduction in risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84]; I2 = 0%; low certainty). For children with late-preterm birth, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a higher risk of investigation for neurocognitive disorders (n = 25 668 children; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]; low certainty). For children with full-term birth, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a higher risk of mental or behavioral disorders (n = 641 487 children; aHR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.36-1.60]; low certainty) as well as proven or suspected neurocognitive disorders (n = 529 205 children; aHR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.10-1.21]; low certainty). Results of this study showed that exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a significantly lower risk of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with extremely preterm birth but a significantly higher risk of adverse neurocognitive and/or psychological outcomes in children with late-preterm and full-term birth, who made up approximately half of those with exposure to antenatal corticosteroids. The findings suggest a need for caution in administering antenatal corticosteroids.

Antenatal corticosteroids for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth.

Antenatal corticosteroids for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth.

158: The association of delivery indication with neonatal outcomes in the late preterm period

Whether the indication for delivery in the late preterm period is associated with neonatal outcomes is poorly understood. We therefore took advantage of a large, carefully characterized cohort of women at high risk of late preterm birth to evaluate this issue. This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter, placebo controlled trial in which women with singleton pregnancies at risk for delivery at 34 0/7 - 36 5/7 weeks’ gestation were randomized to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids (betamethasone) or placebo. Women were eligible if they were in spontaneous preterm labor (PTL); had preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM); or were undergoing indicated preterm delivery (iPTD). The primary outcome was a composite of respiratory treatment within 72 hours of delivery, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Other outcomes included major respiratory morbidity; use of continuous positive airway pressure or high flow nasal cannula; a composite of respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, and apnea; newborn intensive care unit admission; and feeding problems. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for outcomes by indication and adjusted (aOR) for gestational age, birth weight, infant sex, delivery route, major malformations, race/ethnicity, and treatment group. There were 2,831 participants: 792 (28.0%) PTL, 620 (21.9%) PPROM, and 1,419 (50.1%) iPTD. The primary outcome occurred in 232 (16.4%) infants born after iPTD versus 58 (7.3%) infants born after PTL (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.21-2.43), and versus 77 (12.4%) infants born after PPROM (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.45 – 2.79). Compared to PTL, all neonatal complications except feeding problems occurred significantly more frequently in the iPTD group. Compared to PPROM, iPTD had significantly more neonatal complications across all measures except NICU admission. Outcomes were similar between PPROM and PTL (Table 1). Among late preterm infants, iPTD was associated with greater neonatal morbidity and respiratory complications compared with PTL or PPROM despite the administration of antenatal corticosteroids.

Contemporary Challenges and Developments: Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy

The purpose of this review is to (i) provide an update to the current challenges surrounding the use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) and (ii) to provide a brief synthesis of recent findings relating to work to optimize the efficacy and safety and of ACS therapy to better understand its short- and long-term impacts on the developing foetus. There are numerous human and experimental animal studies describing the impact of ACS exposure on foetal growth and programming, in particular, changes to the cardiovascular, endocrine and central nervous systems. Moreover, recent studies have reported adverse impacts on brain development and potential risk of neurological disorders in term-born infants unnecessarily exposed to a single course of ACS. Of particular interest are recent studies describing the potential for transgenerational transmission of ACS-induced effects. When administered to the right women at the right time, ACS are an effective therapy to mature lung function and circulatory stability in preterm infants. Their judicious use reduces neonatal mortality and morbidity. However, much remains to be understood with regard to the optimal use of ACS. Current challenges in the field relate to the limited durability of lung maturation following ACS treatment, the difficulty in predicting preterm delivery and thus the optimal timing of ACS administration. Furthermore, despite some 50 years of clinical use, there has been little in the way of optimization of ACS therapy with respect to the dose and route of drug administration. The use of ACS in late preterm infants requires further cautious consideration due to the modest benefits relative to potential risks that include hypoglycaemia and developmental programming in foetus. Given the variable efficacy of ACS therapy, further work is needed to fully realize the therapeutic potential of this important treatment.

Optimal timing of antenatal corticosteroids in women with bleeding placenta previa or low-lying placenta

Background: Administrating a single course of antenatal corticosteroids to women at risk of preterm birth between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation has been shown to decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is evidence that the optimal timing for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids is within 1–7 days before birth as the effect of antenatal corticosteroids has been shown to decline 7 days after administration. Therefore, given that antenatal corticosteroids are the single most effective intervention in cases of preterm birth, efforts should be made to optimize the timing of administration of antenatal corticosteroids.Objective: To test the hypothesis that the timing of antenatal corticosteroids in women with vaginal bleeding due to placenta previa or low-lying placenta can be optimized by identifying women at low risk of imminent delivery.Study design: This was a retrospective cohort study of all women admitted to a tertiary referral center at 24–34 weeks’ gestation with vaginal bleeding due to placenta previa or low-lying placenta between 2003 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that are independently associated with delivery within 14 days from admission.Results: A total of 202 women who met the inclusion criteria were admitted with vaginal bleeding in the presence of placenta previa or low-lying placenta during the study period, of whom 31 (15.3%) and 44 (21.8%) gave birth within 7 and 14 days from admission, respectively. The following factors were independently associated with delivery within 14 days from admission: complete placenta previa (odds (OR) 3.57, 95%CI 1.57–9.03), severe bleeding at presentation (OR 17.14, 95%CI 2.92–100.70), uterine contractions at presentation (OR 6.02, 95%CI 1.91–19.00), and cervical length <25 mm at presentation (OR 6.33, 95%CI 1.37–29.11). A predictive test based on the presence of ≥1 of these risk factors was associated with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a negative predictive value of 94.6% for delivery within 14 days of presentation.Conclusions: In women presenting with vaginal bleeding due to placenta previa or low-lying placenta, it seems possible to identify a subgroup of women in whom the likelihood of delivery within 14 days is low. This information may allow for selective (rather than routine) administration of antenatal corticosteroids in this scenario, and may thereby contribute to the optimization of the timing of administration of antenatal corticosteroids.

No. 347-Obstetric Management at Borderline Viability.

The primary objective of this guideline was to develop consensus statements to guide clinical practice and recommendations for obstetric management of a pregnancy at borderline viability, currently defined as prior to 25+6 weeks. Clinicians involved in the obstetric management of women whose fetus is at the borderline of viability. Women presenting for possible birth at borderline viability. This document presents a summary of the literature and a general consensus on the management of pregnancies at borderline viability, including maternal transfer and consultation, administration of antenatal corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate, fetal heart rate monitoring, and considerations in mode of delivery. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched using the following keywords: extreme prematurity, borderline viability, preterm, pregnancy, antenatal corticosteroids, mode of delivery. The results were then studied, and relevant articles were reviewed. The references of the reviewed studies were also searched, as were documents citing pertinent studies. The evidence was then presented at a consensus meeting, and statements were developed. The content and recommendations were developed by the consensus group from the fields of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Neonatology, Perinatal Nursing, Patient Advocacy, and Ethics. The quality of evidence was rated using criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology framework (reference 1). The Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology framework. The interpretation of strong and weak recommendations is described later. The Summary of Findings is available upon request. A multidisciplinary approach should be used in counselling women and families at borderline viability. The impact of obstetric interventions in the improvement of neonatal outcomes is suggested in the literature, and if active resuscitation is intended, then active obstetric interventions should be considered. Evidence will be reviewed 5 years after publication to decide whether all or part of the guideline should be updated. However, if important new evidence is published prior to the 5-year cycle, the review process may be accelerated for a more rapid update of some recommendations. This guideline was developed with resources funded by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Women and Babies Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Antenatal and intrapartum interventions for preventing cerebral palsy: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.

Antenatal and intrapartum interventions for preventing cerebral palsy: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews.

Antenatal corticosteroids for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth.

Antenatal corticosteroids for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth.

Influence of the interval between antenatal corticosteroid therapy and delivery on respiratory distress syndrome.

In spite of the recommendation for rescue antenatal corticosteroids (ACS), the optimal time interval between primary and rescue courses has not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the interval between a single ACS course and delivery on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In this retrospective study, we included singleton pregnant women who received a single course of ACS and delivered beyond 48 h after ACS administration between 24 and 33 weeks' gestation. The risk of RDS was compared between patients who delivered within seven days (Group I), 7-14 days (Group II) and beyond 14 days (Group III) after ACS administration. We included 83, 14 and 20 patients in Groups I, II and III, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the ACS delivery interval was significantly associated with RDS in Group II (adjusted odds ratio 12.8, 95% confidence interval 1.31-164.7) and Group III (adjusted odds ratio 64.0, 95% confidence interval 1.32-5808.6). A longer ACS delivery interval is associated with a higher risk of RDS. Thus, the use of a rescue course could be expected to reduce the incidence of RDS in patients beyond seven days after ACS administration who remain at risk for preterm delivery within seven days, especially in cases of placenta previa and/or women bearing a male fetus.

Neurodevelopmental Outcome After a Single Course of Antenatal Steroids in Children Born Preterm: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To systematically review and integrate data on the neurodevelopmental outcome of children after administration of a single course of antenatal corticosteroids for threatened preterm labor. MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and www.clinicaltrials.gov (inception to August 2014) using combinations of the terms "prenatal," "antenatal," "cortico*," "*steroid*," "betamethasone," "dexamethasone," "neurodevelopment*," "*development*," and "follow-up." We perused the references of the retrieved articles. We included randomized and nonrandomized trials reporting on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children whose mothers were administered a single course of betamethasone or dexamethasone antenatally for threatened preterm birth as opposed to placebo or no treatment. Summary risk ratio (RR) was calculated for dichotomous data; standardized mean difference was calculated for trials that measured the same outcome but used different methods. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were planned according to study design, specific steroid, and mean gestational age at birth. A single course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with reduced risk for cerebral palsy (seven studies; treated: 390 of 5,199, untreated: 146 of 1,379; RR 0.678, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.564-0.815), psychomotor development index less than 70 (two studies; treated: 783 of 3,049, untreated: 258 of 969; RR 0.829, 95% CI 0.737-0.933), and severe disability (five studies; treated: 1,567 of 4,840, untreated: 475 of 1,211; RR 0.787, 95% CI 0.729-0.850). Steroid treatment increased the rates of intact survival (six studies; treated: 1,082 of 2,013, untreated: 273 of 561; RR 1.186, 95% CI 1.056-1.332). Betamethasone was found to significantly decrease the risk for severe disability and increase the rate of intact survival. Dexamethasone increased the rate of intact survival; however, data for dexametasone and the other planned subgroup analyses were limited (fewer than 1,000 children at most). The major limitations involved inclusion of nonrandomized studies and scarcity of data on finer neurodevelopmental outcomes. A single course of antenatal corticosteroids in women at high risk for preterm birth appears to improve most neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring born before 34 weeks of gestation.

Umbilical Cord Serum Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein, and Myeloperoxidase Concentrations at Birth and Association with Neonatal Morbidities and Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

The aim of the study is to determine if umbilical cord serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth (PTB), are associated with neonatal morbidities and/or altered neurodevelopmental outcomes in the children. Umbilical cord serum samples were collected at birth from 400 newborns delivered within a multicenter randomized controlled trial of repeated versus single course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACs), in women at increased risk for PTB. Newborns were followed through discharge and were evaluated between 36 and 42 months corrected age with neurological examination and Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and MPO were determined using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Multivariate logistic regression analyses explored the relationship between umbilical cord serum IL-6, CRP, and MPO levels, adverse newborn outcomes, and PTB < 32 weeks of gestational age (GA). Univariate analysis revealed that umbilical cord IL-6 above the 75th percentile was associated with increased respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and chronic lung disease (CLD), but not with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), or neonatal sepsis; however, this association was not significant after adjusting for GA at delivery and treatment group. No significant associations between CRP or MPO and RDS, CLD, NEC, sepsis, or IVH were evident. Regression analysis revealed that CRP above the 75th percentile was associated with a decreased risk of CLD (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.41). No associations between umbilical cord IL-6, CRP, or MPO and MDI < 70 or PDI < 70 were evident. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and MPO, above the 75th percentile, were associated with more frequent PTB < 32 weeks of GA. Elevated umbilical cord serum concentration of CRP is associated with reduced risk for CLD even after adjusting for GA at delivery. Occurrence of levels > 75th percentile of IL-6, CRP, and MPO in umbilical cord serum was associated with PTB < 32 weeks of GA. Elevated umbilical cord serum concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and MPO at birth were not associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Optimal time interval between a single course of antenatal corticosteroids and delivery for reduction of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm twins

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of a single course of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm twins according to the time interval between ACS administration and delivery. We performed a retrospective cohort study of twins born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation from November 1995 to May 2011. Subjects were grouped on the basis of the time interval between the first ACS dose and delivery: the ACS-to-delivery interval of less than 2 days (n = 166), 2-7 days (n = 114), and more than 7 days (n = 66). Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of each group were compared with a control group of twins who were not exposed to ACS (n = 122). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the ACS-to-delivery interval and the incidence of RDS after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Compared with the ACS nonexposure group, the incidence of RDS in the group with an ACS-to-delivery interval of less than 2 days was not significantly different (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.089; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.524-2.262; P = .819). RDS occurred significantly less frequently when the ACS-to-delivery interval was between 2 and 7 days (aOR, 0.419; 95% CI, 0.181-0.968; P = .042). However, there was no significant reduction in the incidence of RDS when the ACS-to-delivery interval exceeded 7 days (aOR, 2.205; 95% CI, 0.773-6.292; P = .139). In twin pregnancies, a single course of ACS treatment was associated with a decreased rate of RDS only when the ACS-to-delivery interval was between 2 and 7 days.

453 Repeat Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth and Risk for Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adulthood

BackgroundPreterm birth is associated with later hypertension and diabetes. One explanation for this association could be that exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS), especially if repeated, induce adverse long-term effects. There...

Do antenatal corticosteroids given prior to elective caesarean section in twin pregnancies at >37 weeks gestation improve neonatal outcome?

Evidence from the ASTECS trial in 2005 has shown that antenatal corticosteroids reduce admissions to the neonatal unit with respiratory distress after elective caesarean section at term in singletons. Delivery...

Committee Opinion No. 475: Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Fetal Maturation

A single course of corticosteroids is recommended for pregnant women between 24 weeks and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days. A single course of antenatal corticosteroids should be administered to women with premature rupture of membranes before 32 weeks of gestation to reduce the risks of respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal mortality, and other morbidities. The efficacy of corticosteroid use at 32–33 completed weeks of gestation for preterm premature rupture of membranes is unclear, but treatment may be beneficial, particularly if pulmonary immaturity is documented. Sparse data exist on the efficacy of corticosteroid use before fetal age of viability, and such use is not recommended. A single rescue course of antenatal corticosteroids may be considered if the antecedent treatment was given more than 2 weeks prior, the gestational age is less than 32 6/7 weeks, and the women are judged by the clinician to be likely to give birth within the next week. However, regularly scheduled repeat courses or multiple courses (more than two) are not recommended. Further research regarding the risks and benefits, optimal dose, and timing of a single rescue course of steroid treatment is needed.