Use Of Antenatal Corticosteroids Research Articles

Readiness to Provide Antenatal Corticosteroids for Threatened Preterm Birth in Public Health Facilities in Northern India.

In 2014, the Government of India (GOI) released operational guidelines on the use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) in preterm labor. However, without ensuring the quality of childbirth and newborn care at facilities, the use of ACS in low- and middle-income countries is potentially harmful. This study assessed the readiness to provide ACS at primary and secondary care public health facilities in northern India. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 37 public health facilities in 2 districts of Haryana, India. Facility processes and program implementation for ACS delivery were assessed using pretested study tools developed from the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of care standards and WHO guidelines for threatened preterm birth. Key gaps in public health facilities' process of care to provide ACS for threatened preterm birth were identified, particularly concerning evidence-based practices, competent workforce, and actionable health information system. Emphasis on accurate gestational age estimation, quality of childbirth care, and quality of preterm care were inadequate. Shortage of trained staff was widespread, and a disconnect was found between knowledge and attitudes regarding ACS use. ACS administration was provided only at district or subdistrict hospitals, and these facilities did not uniformly record ACS-specific indicators. All levels lacked a comprehensive protocol and job aids for identifying and managing threatened preterm birth. ACS operational guidelines were not widely disseminated or uniformly implemented. Facilities require strengthened supervision and standardization of threatened preterm birth care. Facilities need greater readiness to meet required conditions for ACS use. Increasing uptake of a single intervention without supporting it with adequate quality of maternal and newborn care will jeopardize improvement in preterm birth outcomes. We recommend updating and expanding the existing GOI ACS operational guidelines to include specific actions for the safe and effective use of ACS in line with recent scientific evidence.

Cerebral Palsy in Very Preterm Infants: A Nine-Year Prospective Study in a French Population-Based Tertiary Center

To describe the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) at age 2years in infants born before 33weeks of gestation and to analyze the fetal neuroprotective effect of the antenatal administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) treatment on CP. Preterm infants born before 33weeks of gestation and discharged from the Rouen University Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2007 and 2015 were included. At age 2years, pediatricians of the perinatal network of Eure and Seine-Maritime counties administered standardized questionnaires analyzing motor, cognitive, and behavioral items, derived from the Denver and Amiel-Tison scales. A routine protocol based on MgSO4 infusion was introduced in 2010. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of CP according to the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe network definition. A total of 1759 very preterm infants were included, among whom 138 (7.8%) died and 148 (9.1%) were lost to follow-up. Assuming that those lost to follow-up had no CP, at 2years, 55 of 1621 infants (3.4%; 95% CI, 2.6%-4.4%) had CP. After statistical adjustment for birth term and antenatal corticosteroid use, a significant decrease in CP was observed after implementation of a protocol of MgSO4 administration in mothers before imminent preterm birth at <33weeks of gestation (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.98; P=.04). The prevalence of CP at 2years after very preterm birth was low. The implementation of a neuroprotective protocol with MgSO4 was associated with reduced CP occurrence; however, several relevant limitations must be considered for interpretation.

Clinical features of preterm infants with a birth weight less than 1 500 g undergoing different intensities of resuscitation: a multicenter retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical features of preterm infants with a birth weight less than 1 500 g undergoing different intensities of resuscitation. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed for the preterm infants with a birth weight less than 1 500 g and a gestational age less than 32 weeks who were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit of 20 hospitals in Jiangsu, China from January 2018 to December 2019. According to the intensity of resuscitation in the delivery room, the infants were divided into three groups:non-tracheal intubation (n=1 184), tracheal intubation (n=166), and extensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR; n=116). The three groups were compared in terms of general information and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Compared with the non-tracheal intubation group, the tracheal intubation and ECPR groups had significantly lower rates of cesarean section and use of antenatal corticosteroid (P < 0.05). As the intensity of resuscitation increased, the Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes gradually decreased (P < 0.05), and the proportion of infants with Apgar scores of 0 to 3 at 1 minute and 5 minutes gradually increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-tracheal intubation group, the tracheal intubation and ECPR groups had significantly higher mortality rate and incidence rates of moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and serious complications (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ intracranial hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity (stage Ⅲ or above) in the tracheal intubation group were significantly higher than those in the non-tracheal intubation group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS For preterm infants with a birth weight less than 1 500 g, the higher intensity of resuscitation in the delivery room is related to lower rate of antenatal corticosteroid therapy, lower gestational age, and lower birth weight. The infants undergoing tracheal intubation or ECRP in the delivery room have an increased incidence rate of adverse clinical outcomes. This suggests that it is important to improve the quality of perinatal management and delivery room resuscitation to improve the prognosis of the infants.

Learning From Strengths: Improving Care by Comparing Perinatal Approaches Between Japan and Canada and Identifying Future Research Priorities.

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Canada and Japan each have strengths that can inform clinical decision-making, research, and health care policy regarding the prevention of PTB and its sequelae. Our objectives were to: 1) compare PTB rates, risk factors, management, and outcomes between Japan and Canada; 2) establish research priorities while fostering future collaborative opportunities; and 3) undertake knowledge translation of these findings. We conducted a literature review to identify publications that examined PTB rates, risk factors, prevention and management techniques, and outcomes in Japan and Canada. We conducted site visits at 4 Japanese tertiary centres and held a collaborative stakeholder meeting of parents, neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and researchers. Japan reports lower rates of PTB, neonatal mortality, and several PTB risk factors than Canada. However, Canadian PTB data is population-based, whereas, in Japan, the rate of PTB is population-based, but outcomes are not. Rates of severe neurologic injury and necrotizing enterocolitis were lower in Japan, while Canada's rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity were lower. PTB prevention approaches differed, with less progesterone use in Japan and more long-term tocolysis. In Japan, there were lower rates of neonatal transfers and non-faculty overnight care, but also less use of antenatal corticosteroids and deferred cord clamping. Research priorities identified through the stakeholder meeting included early skin-to-skin contact, parental well-being after PTB, and transitions in care for the child. We identified key differences between Japan and Canada in the factors affecting PTB management and patient outcomes, which can inform future research efforts.

The neonatal respiratory morbidity associated with early term caesarean section – an emerging pandemic

To examine the impact of early term caesarean section (CS) on respiratory morbidity and early neonatal outcomes when elective caesarean section was carried out before 39 completed weeks gestation in our population. A one-year population-based retrospective cohort analysis using routinely collected hospital data. Livebirths from women who had elective lower segment cesarean section (ELSCS) for uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at early term (ET) 37+0 to 38+6 weeks were compared to full term (FT)≥39+0 weeks gestation. Exclusion criteria included diabetes, antenatal corticosteroid use, stillbirths, immediate neonatal deaths, normal vaginal deliveries and emergency caesareans sections. The outcomes were combined respiratory morbidity (tachypnea [TTN] and respiratory distress syndrome [RDS]), Apgar <7 at 5min of age, respiratory support, duration of respiratory support and NICU admission. Out of a total of 1,466 elective CS with term livebirths, the timing of CS was early term (ET) n=758 (52%) and full term (FT) n=708 (48%). There was a higher incidence of respiratory morbidities and neonatal outcomes in the ET in comparison to FT newborns. In the univariable analysis, significant risks for outcomes were: the need for oxygen support OR 2.42 (95% C.I. 1.38-4.22), respiratory distress syndrome and/or transient tachypnea of newborn (RDSF/TTN) OR 2.44 (95% C.I. 1.33-4.47) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission OR 1.91 (95% C.I. 1.22-2.98). Only the need for oxygen support remained (OR 1.81, 95% C.I. 1.0-3.26) in the multivariable analysis. These results were observed within the context of a significantly higher proportion of older, multiparous, and higher number of previous caesarean sections in the early term CS group. There is a significant risk of respiratory morbidities in infants born by elective cesarean section prior to full term gestation. Obstetricians should aim towards reducing the high rate of women with previous multiple cesarean sections including balancing the obstetric indication of early delivery among such women with the evident risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity.

Evidence for the Management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Preterm Infants.

Background: Very preterm birth often results in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with an inverse correlation of gestational age and birthweight. This very preterm population is especially exposed to interventions, which affect the development of BPD. Objective: The goal of our review is to summarize the evidence on these daily procedures and provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of BPD. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature research using MEDLINE/PubMed on antenatal corticosteroids, surfactant-replacement therapy, caffeine, ventilation strategies, postnatal corticosteroids, inhaled nitric oxide, inhaled bronchodilators, macrolides, patent ductus arteriosus, fluid management, vitamin A, treatment of pulmonary hypertension and stem cell therapy. Results: Evidence provided by meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and large observational studies are summarized as a narrative review. Discussion: There is strong evidence for the use of antenatal corticosteroids, surfactant-replacement therapy, especially in combination with noninvasive ventilation strategies, caffeine and lung-protective ventilation strategies. A more differentiated approach has to be applied to corticosteroid treatment, the management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), fluid-intake and vitamin A supplementation, as well as the treatment of BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension. There is no evidence for the routine use of inhaled bronchodilators and prophylactic inhaled nitric oxide. Stem cell therapy is promising, but should be used in RCTs only.

Planned Cesarean or planned vaginal delivery for twins: secondary analysis of randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate whether there is a differential benefit of planned Cesarean delivery (CD) over planned vaginal delivery (VD) in women with a twin pregnancy and the first twin in cephalic presentation, depending on prespecified baseline maternal and pregnancy characteristics, and/or gestational age (GA) at delivery.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the Twin Birth Study, which included 2804 women with a twin pregnancy and the first twin (Twin A) in cephalic presentation between 32 + 0 and 38 + 6 weeks' gestation at 106 centers in 25 countries. Women were assigned randomly to either planned CD or planned VD. The main outcome measure was composite adverse perinatal outcome, defined as the occurrence of perinatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity in at least one twin. The baseline maternal and pregnancy characteristics (markers) considered were maternal age, parity, history of CD, use of antenatal corticosteroids, estimated fetal weight (EFW) of Twin A, EFW of Twin B, > 25% difference in EFW between the twins, presentation of Twin B, chorionicity on ultrasound, method of conception, complications of pregnancy, ruptured membranes at randomization and GA at randomization. Separate logistic regression models were developed for each marker in order to model composite adverse perinatal outcome as a function of the specific marker, planned delivery mode and the interaction between these two terms. In addition, multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward variable elimination was performed separately in each arm of the trial. The association between planned mode of delivery and composite adverse perinatal outcome, according to GA at delivery, was assessed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 2804 women initially randomized, 1391 were included in each study arm. None of the studied baseline markers was associated with a differential benefit of planned CD over planned VD in the rate of composite adverse perinatal outcome. GA at delivery was associated differentially with composite adverse perinatal outcome in the treatment arms (P for interaction < 0.001). Among pregnancies delivered at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks, there was a trend towards a lower rate of composite adverse perinatal outcome in those in the planned‐VD group compared with those in planned‐CD group (29 (2.2%) vs 48 (3.6%) cases; odds ratio (OR) 0.62 (95% CI, 0.37–1.03)). In pregnancies delivered at or after 37 + 0 weeks, planned VD was associated with a significantly higher rate of composite adverse perinatal outcome, as compared with planned CD (23 (1.5%) vs 10 (0.7%) cases; OR, 2.25 (95% CI, 1.06–4.77)).ConclusionThe perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies with the first twin in cephalic presentation may differ depending on GA at delivery and planned mode of delivery. At 32–37 weeks, planned VD seems to be favorable, while, from around 37 weeks onwards, planned CD might be safer. The absolute risks of adverse perinatal outcomes at term are low and must be weighed against the increased maternal risks associated with planned CD. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Antenatal Corticosteroids and Respiratory Distresses Outcome in Preterm Neonates

Background: The value of antenatal corticosteroid regimen in lessening respiratory distress risk in preterm neonates has been well known, and accordingly, antenatal corticosteroid therapy was recommended for any pregnant woman likely to deliver between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between the administration of antenatal corticosteroids within the ideal interval of one week before birth and the outcomes of preterm neonates. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 80 preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with gestational age from 32 to 37 complete weeks at Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismailia, Egypt. The newborns were then divided into groups A (did not receive antenatal corticosteroids; n=40) and B (received antenatal corticosteroids; n=40). Results: Severe respiratory distress syndrome was significantly less frequent in group B (p <0.05) with lower levels of need for oxygen supplementation (p <0.05). Conclusion: Neonates who received antenatal corticosteroids developed less severe respiratory distress, compared to neonates who did not receive this medication. The results favored the use of antenatal corticosteroids to prevent respiratory distress when administrated within the ideal interval of one week before birth.

Chapter for antenatal steroids – Treatment drift for a potent therapy with unknown long-term safety seminars in fetal and neonatal medicine

This chapter on therapeutic drift with antenatal steroids will make the case that this pilar of treatment to improve the outcomes of preterm infants, despite multiple Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis, has multiple gaps in solid clinical data to support any expanded use of Antenatal Corticosteroids (ACS). A basic problem is that agents used for ACS have never been evaluated to minimize fetal exposures. Based on the premise that all drug exposure to the fetus should be minimized and only used when necessary, ACS is a potent developmental modulator that has never been evaluated to minimize the dose and duration of fetal exposure. The use of ACS is expanding to late preterm infants where the benefit is modest, to elective C-sections, and periviable fetuses, with minimal RCT data of long-term benefit. Relevant animal experiments demonstrate that much lower doses will induce lung maturation in sheep and primates. Another area of drift in the use of ACS is based on the assumption that the old RCT data accurately predict the magnitude of benefit when ACS is used today with entirely different OB and neonatal care strategies to improve outcomes. We do not have data that demonstrate the effectiveness of ACS in very low resource environments, where most of the preterm mortality occurs. The final concern is the risk of ACS to the infant and child. Short-term risks are minimal but dysmaturation effects of ACS on multiple organ systems (lung, heart, brain, and kidney) may result in disease presentation in later life.

Antenatal Corticosteroids: Too Much of a Good Thing?

The use of antenatal corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturation and prevent neonatal mortality in preterm infants has been considered a notable advancement in perinatal care, though there are questions regarding the safety of this therapy in various populations. One study found an association between antenatal corticosteroids and increased neonatal mortality in women at risk for preterm birth in low- and middle-income countries. When there is a risk for late preterm delivery (34 to 36 wk gestation), large trials have shown lower rates of respiratory distress syndrome but no benefit in mortality rates.

Perinatal Counseling at the Margin of Gestational Viability: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going, and How to Navigate a Path Forward

Perinatal Counseling at the Margin of Gestational Viability: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going, and How to Navigate a Path Forward

Mortality and Morbidity in Premature Infants: An East and West Comparative Study.

Survival of preterm infants differs dramatically depending on birthplace. No previous studies have compared outcomes of preterm infants between low middle-income and high-income countries such as India and the United States. The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in care practices, resources, mortality, and morbidities in preterm infants with birth weight 700 to 1,500 g between two major neonatal centers in these countries. This is a retrospective cohort study with de-identified data from Fernandez Hospital (FH) in Hyderabad, India, and Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) in Houston, TX, for infants born January 2016 to December 2018, and weighing 700 to 1,500 g at birth. The primary outcome was death before hospital discharge. Of 1,195 infants, 736 were admitted to FH and 459 were admitted to TCH. After controlling for differences in gestational age, small for gestational age, and antenatal corticosteroid use, TCH patients had lower mortality before hospital discharge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.48, p < 0.001) and more bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.51-3.21, p < 0.001). The composite outcome of death or BPD and death or any major morbidity (BPD or intraventricular hemorrhage grade II or more or periventricular leukomalacia grade II or more or retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment) were not different. In this study, TCH infants had decreased odds of death before hospital discharge compared with FH but higher odds of BPD, which may be related to increased survival and differences in care practices. · Few studies compared outcomes of premature infants between different high-income countries.. · There are no studies comparing preterm infants between low middle-income and high-income countries such as India and the United States.. · This study evaluated detailed comparison of care practices and infrastructure of NICUs in India and United states..

Reducing neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome associated with preterm birth: a scoping review on the impact of antenatal corticosteroids in low- and middle-income countries.

The most common cause of death among preterm infants in low- and middle-income countries is respiratory distress syndrome. The purpose of this review was to assess whether antenatal corticosteroids given to women at risk of preterm birth at ≤ 34weeks of gestation reduce rates of neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome in low- and middle-income countries. Two reviewers independently searched four databases including MEDLINE (through PubMed), CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Libraries. We did not apply any language or date restrictions. All publications up to April 2020 were included in this search. The search yielded 71 articles, 10 of which were included in this review (3 randomized controlled trials, 7 observational studies, 36,773 neonates). The majority of studies reported associations between exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and lower rates of neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome. However, a few studies reported that antenatal corticosteroids were not associated with improved preterm birth outcomes. Most of the studies in low- and middle-income countries showed that use of antenatal corticosteroids in hospitals with high levels of neonatal care was associated with lower rates of neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome. However, the findings are inconclusive because some studies in low-resource settings reported that antenatal corticosteroids had no benefit in reducing rates of neonatal mortality or respiratory distress syndrome. Further research on the impact of antenatal corticosteroids in resource-limited settings in low-income countries is a priority.

The association between antenatal corticosteroid use in late-preterm and early-term pregnancy and nonreassuring fetal status

This study aimed to compare perinatal outcomes, including nonreassuring fetal status, according to antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) use during late-preterm and early-term pregnancies. This was a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies who were at risk of late-preterm (34-36+6 weeks) birth or early-term (37-38+6 weeks) scheduled cesarean section from August 2017-July 2019. ACT was administered until June 2018, after which a policy was implemented such that ACT was not used for pregnant women in the above circumstances. Women were grouped based on whether they delivered before or after the policy change and were subdivided into late-preterm birth and early-term scheduled cesarean section groups to reduce variations in newborn outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether the use of antenatal corticosteroids increased the odds of perinatal outcomes. In total, 216 women (215 neonates, 1 stillborn) were included. In the late-preterm delivery group, the rate of nonreassuring fetal status was significantly higher in the antenatal corticosteroid group than in the non-corticosteroid group (33.3% vs 12.0%, P = 0.017). In the early-term delivery group, the rate was non-significantly higher in the antenatal corticosteroid use group (19.0% vs 6.3%, P = 0.091). In the multivariable logistic regression, ACT was associated with an increased risk of nonreassuring fetal status (P = 0.025) and a reduced incidence of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) (P = 0.011). We determined for the first time that ACT in late-preterm and early-term pregnancy is associated with nonreassuring fetal status. Here, ACT in late-preterm and early-term pregnancy had no benefit beyond decreasing the TTN rate.

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.

Fluid, electrolyte and early nutritional management in the preterm neonate with very low birth weight

Abstract Water and electrolytes are major constituents of the body in the preterm infant and undergo rapid changes in content and distribution within the body compartments during the first few days of postnatal adaptation. The changes can be amplified by the severity of the functional immaturity of organs and adverse environmental factors. A clear understanding of fetal physiology and postnatal adaptation, along with frequent and structured clinical assessment, is necessary to guide optimal fluid and electrolyte supplementation. An accurate fluid and electrolyte prescription is critical to delivery of optimum early nutrition. While survival of premature infants has leapt forward with widespread use of antenatal corticosteroids, postnatal surfactant and advances in respiratory support modalities, further improvement is dependent on multiple marginal gains. Meticulous attention to maintain a physiological milieu in the ex utero environment and providing high quality early nutrition to prevent catabolism and promote early growth have been shown to have a positive impact in reducing neonatal morbidities and improving long-term outcomes. This review offers a simple overview of the physiological changes during postnatal adaptation in the preterm infant. It provides practical guidance on fluid, electrolyte and nutritional management in the first few days following birth including advice about clinical assessment and preventative measures. A self-assessment exercise is also included.

Antenatal corticosteroids and short-term neonatal outcomes in term and near-term infants of diabetic mothers. Analysis of the Qatar PEARL-peristat registry.

A recent discussion surrounding the extension of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) use beyond 34weeks of gestation did not include the subgroup of infants of diabetic mothers (IDM). We aimed to examine the association between ACS exposure and outcomes in neonates born at term and at near-term gestation in a large cohort of IDMs. We selected 13976 eligible near-term and term infants who were included in the PEARL-Peristat Perinatal Registry Study (PPS). We assessed the association of ACS exposure with neonatal outcomes in a multivariate regression model that controlled for diabetes mellitus (DM) and other perinatal variables. The incidence of DM was 28% (3,895 of 13,976) in the cohort. Caesarean section was performed in one-third of the study population. The incidence of ACS exposure was low (1.8%) and typically occurred>2weeks before delivery. The incidence rates of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)/ transient tachypnoea of newborns (TTN), all-cause neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, NICU admissions for hypoglycaemia, and low 5-min Apgar scores were 3.5, 8.8, 1.3, and 0.1%, respectively. In a multivariate regression model, ACS was associated with a slight increase in NICU admissions (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04-2.03; p=0.028), but not with RDS/TTN. Although the low exposure rate was a limitation, ACS administration did not reduce respiratory morbidity in near-term or term IDMs. It was independently associated with an increase in NICU admissions. Randomized controlled trials are required to assess the efficacy and safety of ACS administration in diabetic mothers at late gestation.

Antenatal use of Corticosteroids to Prevent Respiratory Insufficiency in Preterm Babies

Antenatal use of Corticosteroids to Prevent Respiratory Insufficiency in Preterm Babies

A Growing Dilemma: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Long-Term Consequences.

A single course of synthetic antenatal corticosteroids is standard care for women considered to be at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. While the intended target is the fetal lung, the fetal brain contains remarkably high levels of glucocorticoid receptors in structures critical in the regulation of behavior and endocrine function. Negative programming signals may occur which can lead to permanent maladaptive changes and predispose the infant/child to an increased risk in physical, mental, and developmental disorders. Framed around these areas of concerns for physical, mental, and developmental disorders, this narrative review drew on studies (animal and clinical), evaluating the long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroids to present the case that a more targeted approach to the use of antenatal corticosteroids for the betterment of the fetus urgently needed. Studies raised concerns about the potential negative long-term consequences, especially for the exposed fetus who was born beyond the period of the greatest benefit from antenatal corticosteroids. The long-term consequences are more subtle in nature and usually manifest later in life, often beyond the scope of most clinical trials. Continued research is needed to identify sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids should be exercised while additional work is undertaken to optimize dosing strategies and better identify women at risk of preterm birth prior to administration of antenatal corticosteroids. · A single-course ACS is a remarkable therapy with substantial benefits.. · There is a potential of long-term neurodevelopmental consequences in the ACS-exposed fetus.. · There is a need to improve dosing strategies and identification of appropriate at risk women..

Improving NICU outcomes–A worldwide endeavor

In this volume of The Journal, D’Apremont et al report on mortality and morbidity outcomes over 15 years (2001-2016) for nearly 14 000 very low birthweight infants (500-1500 grams) at NEOCOSUR centers (30 Neonatal Units from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). While many national and international NICU collectives from the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan have published large scale NICU outcome data, D’Apremont et al provide the first substantial multi-year report from a similar NICU collaborative based in middle-income countries. Despite introducing many evidence-based practices, including increased use of antenatal corticosteroids and noninvasive ventilation, the NEOCOSUR centers did not observe a reduction in mortality in VLBW infants in NICUs. This was probably because of a drop in survival for the most premature babies born at ≤25 weeks gestational age. On the other hand, survival without major morbidity substantially improved for moderately preterm babies >29 weeks gestational age. The NEOCOSUR report demonstrates the ability to collect high quality data from middle-income countries, which is particularly meaningful as neonatal mortality remains stubbornly high in middle- and low-income countries and accounts for over 98% of neonatal mortality worldwide. We hope that NEOCOSUR finds novel ways to compare and contrast their findings with those of high income countries as they continue to improve care for their youngest NICU citizens—these are countries that have learned to walk and deserve to run. Article page 44 ▸ Trends in Perinatal Practices and Neonatal Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Infants during a 16-year Period at NEOCOSUR CentersThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 225PreviewTo describe trends in mortality, major morbidity, and perinatal care practices of very low birth weight infants born at NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network centers from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2016. Full-Text PDF