Antenatal Steroids After 34 Weeks: Leaning Toward Harm

In utero corticosteroid exposure did not reduce respiratory morbidity but did raise risk for neonatal hypoglycemia and sepsis evaluation.

The benefits of antenatal corticosteroids for preventing respiratory distress in fetuses delivered before 34 weeks are well known — but do such benefits apply after that gestational age? Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study involving women who underwent amniocentesis for evaluation of fetal lung maturity at ≥34 weeks of pregnancy. They assessed neonatal outcomes in 102 fetuses with immature lung indexes on amniocentesis who were delivered within 1 week of in utero exposure to corticosteroids; in 76 fetuses with immature lung indexes who were delivered following expectant management without steroids; and in 184 fetuses with mature lungs on amniocentesis.

Compared with fetuses in the expectant-management group as well as those wi…

Reviewing Author

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Diane J. Angelini, EdD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, NEA-BC

Disclosures

RoyaltiesOB Triage: Emergency Care Protocols (Springer Publications)

Editorial boardsJournal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing

Antenatal Steroids After 34 Weeks: Leaning Toward Harm

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Reviewing Author