Are Antenatal Rescue Steroids Making a Comeback?

Multiple courses of antenatal steroids have been associated with diminished fetal growth and smaller head circumference (JW Womens Health Feb 5 2009). In a multicenter trial, investigators sought to identify a window of opportunity for a single rescue course of steroids. Eligible participants had singleton or twin pregnancies (25 to <33 weeks’ gestation) with intact membranes and clinician-determined threat of preterm delivery (PTD) after a first course of antenatal steroids (first course given at least 2 weeks before enrollment and earlier than 30 weeks’ gestation; impending PTD within the coming week). A total of 437 women were randomized to receive a single repeat (rescue) course of steroids or placebo. Composite neonatal morbidity befor…