Corticosteroids for Preterm Labor Without Growth Retardation or Membrane Rupture

Antenatal corticosteroids are frequently administered to women in preterm labor and those with pregnancy-induced hypertension to reduce the risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the infant. It has been difficult to evaluate their efficacy because some conditions themselves cause delivery of corticosteroids to the fetus. These investigators assessed outcomes in 1,148 neonates weighing 1,750 grams or less; 326 (28%) were exposed to antenatal steroids and 822 (71%) were unexposed. Mothers included 447 women with preterm labor, 410 with premature rupture of membranes, and 245 with pregnancy-associated hypertension.

In babies born to women in preterm labor with intact membranes, antenatal steroids significantly decreased the incidence a…