Short-term clinical outcomes of different courses of antenatal corticosteroids for preterm twins / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the short-term clinical outcomes of different courses of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) for preterm twins.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2021, preterm twins with gestational age (GA) 24-34 weeks admitted to the neonatal ward of our hospital and received ACS were retrospectively studied. The infants were assigned into single-course group, partial-course group and multiple-course group according to ACS courses. The short-term clinical outcomes were compared among the groups. SPSS software version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 286 infants were enrolled in this study, including 128 in single-course group, 89 in partial-course group and 69 in multiple-course group. Compared with single-course group, the risks of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in both partial-course group ( OR=2.332, 95% CI 1.028-5.293, P=0.043) and multiple-course group ( OR=3.872, 95% CI 1.104-13.584, P=0.034) were higher. The birth length in multiple-course group ( β=-0.016, 95% CI -0.029 - -0.002, P=0.024) was lower than single-course group. Conclusions:The risks of neonatal RDS in preterm twins are higher in partial-course and multiple-course of ACS. A full course of ACS should be used to prevent neonatal RDS until further evidence of effectiveness is available.

Average treatment effects of a single-dose antenatal corticosteroid on the respiratory morbidity of Filipino preterm neonates

Introduction@#Prematurity-related respiratory disorders are an important public health concern that should be treated efficiently and effectively. Antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy has been recommended to hasten fetal lung maturation in pregnancies at risk but has not been delivered adequately in low to middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the treatment effects associated with the use of a single-dose antenatal corticosteroid on the incidence of respiratory-associated morbidity among prematurely delivered neonates. @*Methods@#This was a retrospective cohort study of neonates delivered at 24 to 33 weeks gestation at a tertiary hospital comparing outcomes in those given single-dose ACS with those given no ACS. Association was estimated using logistic and propensity score (PS) analyses, as well as average treatment effect (ATE) and among those treated (ATET). @*Results@#Most neonates (78.11%) received a single dose before delivery (single-dose ACS group) and only a few (21.89%) did not receive any dose (no ACS dose group). The odds ratio of respiratory morbidity in the single-dose ACS group was 0.44 (0.23-0.84) from an adjusted logistic regression model and 0.33 (0.17-0.80) from the PS matching model. The latter model was used to estimate that the average treatment effect from a single-ACS dose on the entire sample was -0.09 (-0.03 to -0.15), while its effect among the actual recipients was -0.08 (-0.02 to -0.15). @*Conclusion@#There is a small benefit attributed to the single-dose ACS, reinforcing the need for dose administration and completion. Future studies are recommended to clarify the estimated association and improve on the methodological constraints encountered.

Is there a role for antenatal corticosteroids in term infants before elective cesarean section?

Abstract Objective Cesarean section (CS) delivery, especially without previous labor, is associated with worse neonatal respiratory outcomes. Some studies comparing neonatal outcomes between term infants exposed and not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) before elective CS revealed that ACS appears to decrease the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the neonate (TTN), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and the length of stay in the NICU. Methods The present retrospective cohort study aimed to compare neonatal outcomes in infants born trough term elective CS exposed and not exposed to ACS. Outcomes included neonatal morbidity at birth, neonatal respiratory morbidity, and general neonatal morbidity. Maternal demographic characteristics and obstetric data were analyzed as possible confounders. Results A total of 334 newborns met the inclusion criteria. One third of the population study (n=129; 38.6%) received ACS. The present study found that the likelihood for RDS (odds ratio [OR]=1.250; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.454-3.442), transient TTN (OR=1.,623; 95%CI: 0.556-4.739), and NIUC admission (OR=2.155; 95%CI: 0.474-9.788) was higher in the ACS exposed group, although with no statistical significance. When adjusting for gestational age and arterial hypertension, the likelihood for RDS (OR=0,732; 95%CI: 0.240-2.232), TTN (OR=0.959; 95%CI: 0.297--3.091), and NIUC admission (OR=0,852; 95%CI: 0.161-4.520) become lower in the ACS exposed group. Conclusion Our findings highlight the known association between CS-related respiratory morbidity and gestational age, supporting recent guidelines that advocate postponing elective CSs until 39 weeks of gestational age.

Prophylactic antenatal corticosteroid before elective cesarean delivery at or near term: a retrospective study

Background: While the role of antenatal steroids administration to mother is proved in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm gestation secondary to respiratory distress and hyaline membrane disease its role in patients undergoing elective cesarean deliveries at or near term appears to be controversial.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study in which women who have undergone elective cesarean delivery between 34-37 weeks of gestation were included. Those women who received two intramuscular injections of 12 mg betamethasone 24 h apart were included in group S whereas the women who didn’t receive such injections were included in group B. Outcome measures were incidence of transient tachypnea of the newborn, hyaline membrane disease and NICU admissions due to respiratory distress.Results: Neonates in the treatment group had a statistically significant lower overall incidence of transient tachypnea of newborn, respiratory distress syndrome and NICU admissions. The incidence of transient tachypnea of newborn and respiratory distress in Group S was 5% and 8.33% respectively where as TTN and respiratory distress was seen in 18.33% and 28.33% neonates in the group N. The over NICU admission rates, due to respiratory distress in group S and Group N were found to be 8.33% and 28.33% respectively.Conclusions: Antenatal administration of corticosteroids to women at or near term (34-37 weeks) is found to have a beneficial effect in reducing neonatal morbidity and NICU admissions secondary to respiratory distress in women undergoing elective CS.

Betametasona fosfato para la prevención de Síndrome de Dificultad Respiratoria (SDR) del recién nacido de pretérmino / Betamethasone phosphate for the prevention of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in the preterm newborn

RESUMEN Introducción: El estándar para inducción de madurez pulmonar en fetos con riesgo de nacer prematuramente es la administración de 12 mg de betametasona acetato/fosfato por dos veces espaciada cada 24 horas. El uso establecido en algunos hospitales públicos en Chile es con dos dosis de 12 mg betametasona fosfato aunque no existen estudios publicados sólo con betametasona fosfato sobre la incidencia de Síndrome de Distress Respiratorio (SDR). Objetivo: Evaluar efecto de betametasona en su forma fosfato como tratamiento antenatal para inducción de madurez fetal pulmonar en la incidencia SDR debido a membrana hialina en prematuros menores de 34 semanas de edad gestacional. Comparar el efecto de betametasona fosfato con el efecto publicado de betametasona acetato/fosfato. Material y método: Análisis de incidencia de SDR en prematuros nacidos en Hospital Padre Hurtado entre 24+0 y 34+0 semanas que recibieron betametasona fosfato para madurez pulmonar y aquellos que no la recibieron. Resultados: De 1.265 neonatos estudiados, 722 completaron dos dosis (57,5%); 436 sólo una dosis (34,5%) y 107 (8,5%) no recibieron corticoides antenatales. La incidencia de SDR debido a membrana hialina en el grupo con dos dosis fue 8,7%, una dosis 25,3% y 32,7% en los no tratados (p<0,001). Para SDR severo las incidencias fueron 6,7%, 12,6% y 16,8% respectivamente (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Inducción de madurez fetal pulmonar con betametasona fosfato en dos dosis de 12 mg IM separadas por 24 horas otorga una reducción significativa de incidencia de SDR semejante a la publicada con betametasona acetato/fosfato en iguales dosis.

ABSTRACT The standard for induction of lung maturity in fetuses at risk of being born prematurely is the administration of 12 mg of betamethasone acetate/phosphate two doses separated by 24 hours. The established use in some public hospitals in Chile is with two doses of 12 mg betamethasone phosphate although there are no studies published with betamethasone phosphate alone on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Objective: To evaluate the effect of betamethasone in its phosphate form as antenatal treatment for the induction of fetal lung maturity in the incidence of RDS due to hyaline membrane in preterm infants less than 34 weeks of gestational age. To compare the effect of betamethasone phosphate with the published effect of betamethasone acetate/phosphate. Material and method: Analysis of the incidence of RDS in preterm infants born at Hospital Padre Hurtado between 24 + 0 and 34 + 0 weeks who received betamethasone phosphate for lung maturity and those who did not receive it. Results: Of 1,265 infants studied, 722 completed two doses (57.5%); 436 only one dose (34.5%) and 107 (8.5%) did not receive antenatal corticosteroids. The incidence of RDS due to hyaline membrane in the group with two doses was 8.7%, one dose 25.3% and 32.7% in the untreated ones (p <0.001). For severe RDS, incidences were 6.7%, 12.6% and 16.8% respectively (p <0.001). Conclusions: Induction of fetal lung maturity with betamethasone phosphate in two doses of 12 mg IM separated by 24 hours gives a significant reduction in the incidence of RDS similar to that published with betamethasone acetate/phosphate in equal doses.

Effect of single dose and double dose antenatal corticosteroids on respiratory distress syndrome among preterm babies

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome occurs primarily in premature infants. The increased risk of RDS is associated with lower gestational age. The length of gestation is the primary factor that influences the risk of RDS the risk for development of RDS increases with maternal diabetes, multiple births, cesarean delivery, precipitous delivery, asphyxia, cold stress, and a maternal history of previously affected infants. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) significantly reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality when administered to women with imminent preterm delivery Antenatal steroids accelerate development of type 1 and type 2 pneumocytes, leading to structural and biochemical changes that improve both lung mechanics (maximal lung volume, compliance) and gas exchange. Induction of type 2 pneumocytes increases surfactant production by inducing production of surfactant proteins and enzymes necessary for phospholipid synthesis. Alveolisation occurs rapidly as a result of the antenatal corticosteroids Antenatal corticosteroid is usually administered for fetal lung maturity and can be expected to induce negative maternal and fetal side-effects hence this study was conducted to know the beneficial effect of single dose antenatal corticosteroids verses double doses antenatal corticosteroids. The Objective of the present study was to observe the effect of single dose and double dose antenatal corticosteroids on respiratory distress syndrome in preterm babies born to less than 37 weeks of gestation admitted under department of pediatrics at Raja Rajeswari medical college Hospital, Kambipura, Bangalore.Methods: There were 55 babies born to mothers who received single dose of antenatal corticosteroids and delivered at 12hrs before receiving 2nd dose antenatal corticosteroids and 55 babies born to mothers who received double dose of antenatal corticosteroids. Once baby is born, they compared for the requirement of surfactant.Results: Multiple course of steroids significantly reduced Respiratory distress syndrome.Conclusions: It was concluded that there was significant reduction in RDS in babies whose mother received complete course of antenatal corticosteroids.

Antenatal corticosteroids and outcomes of preterm small-for-gestational-age neonates in a single medical center

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of an antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) in preterm small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study. We compared women who received ACS with unexposed controls and evaluated neonatal complications among those having a singleton SGA neonate born between 29 and 34 complete gestational weeks. The neonates born after 32 weeks of gestation were divided into subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total 82 of the preterm infants met inclusion criteria; 57 (69.5%) were born after 32 weeks of gestation. There were no significant differences in terms of mechanical ventilation, seizure, intracranial hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, feeding difficulty, and neonatal mortality between infants whose mothers received ACS ant those whose mothers did not (all P>0.05). However, newborns whose mothers received ACS exhibited a significantly increased risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.271; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.038–10.305; P=0.043). In case of neonates born beyond 32 weeks of gestation, the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was significantly higher in women receiving ACS after controlling for confounding factors (aOR, 5.832; 95% CI, 1.096–31.031; P=0.039). CONCLUSION: ACS did not improve neonatal morbidities, in SGA neonates delivered between 29 and 34 gestational weeks. Rather, ACS could increase the risk of RDS. In cases of SGA neonate delivered between 32 and 34 complete gestational weeks, the risk of hypoglycemia was significantly increased. The use of ACS in women with preterm SGA infants needs to be evaluated further, especially after 32 weeks' gestation.

Efecto de los glucocorticoides prenatales en neonatos pretérminos tratados con un surfactante natural porcino / Effect of the prenatal steroids in preterm newborn treated with a natural porcine-derived surfactant

Introducción: los glucocorticoides prenatales aumentan los efectos beneficiosos de la terapia con surfactante exógeno. Objetivo: analizar el efecto de los glucocorticoides prenatales en recién nacidos pretérminos tratados con surfactante exógeno. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo, no controlado, multicéntrico, desde enero de 2007 hasta diciembre de 2009, en una población de 259 recién nacidos pretérminos, tratados con surfactante exógeno a los que se les evaluó el efecto del uso de los glucocorticoides prenatales. Resultados: los glucocorticoides prenatales fueron utilizados en 59,5 por ciento de las madres, disminuyó el tiempo en ventilación mecánica a los recién nacidos (123/31) p: 0,0068; RR: 1,74 (IC:1,16 - 2,60) y el riesgo de morir p: 0,0003; RR: 2,43 (IC: 1,47 - 4,03). Conclusiones: el uso de glucocorticoides prenatales, en pacientes tratados con surfactante natural porcino, disminuyó la necesidad de soporte ventilatorio y la mortalidad neonatal(AU)

Introduction: The antenatal corticosteroids increase the beneficial effects of the therapy with exogenous surfactant. Objective: To find out the effect of the antenatal corticosteroids in preterm newborns treated with exogenous surfactant. Methods: A multicenter, uncontrolled, prospective, longitudinal and descriptive study was carried from January 2007 to December 2009 in a population of 259 preterm newborns treated with exogenous surfactant to evaluate the effect of the use of antenatal corticosteroids. Results: The antenatal corticosteroids were used in 59,5 percent of mothers; the length of assisted ventilation in newborns as well as the risk of death were reduced (123/31) p: 0.0068; RR: 1.74 (IC:1.16 - 2.60) and p: 0.0003; RR: 2.43 (IC: 1.47 - 4.03), respectively. Conclusions: The use of antenatal corticosteroids in patients treated with natural porcine-derived surfactant reduced the assisted ventilation support requirement and the neonatal mortality(AU)

Obstetrical Management of Periviable Birth / 대한주산의학회잡지

Survival of extreme preterm birth infants had recently been increasing steadily. Proper counseling and optimal management of women with impending periviable birth is one of the most intricate situations in both obstetricians and pediatricians. This article aimed 1) to discern several international recommendations on perinatal care of periviable birth proposed recently, 2) to provide reviews of best available evidence on the use of antenatal corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate in impending periviable birth, and 3) to present the results from survey on the obstetrical management in periviable birth targeting maternal-fetal medicine faculty members of the tertiary hospitals in our country.

The Benefits and Risks of Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy in Patients with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the benefits and risks of multiple courses of corticosteroids in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes for women of singleton pregnancy with PPROM admitted at 24-32 weeks of gestation. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to antenatal corticosteroids exposure: (1) non-user group, (2) single-course group, (3) multiple-course group. Chi-square test, analysis of variances, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were included, with 50 in non-use group, 76 in single-course group, and 44 in multiple-course group. Univariate analyses showed that clinical chorioamnionitis occurred in the highest incidence in multiple-course group (x2=6.20, p<0.05) and the decreased incidence of RDS in multiple-course group (x2=10.0, p<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that no significant association was found after adjustment of confounding variables (odds ratio=0.28, p=0.063) whereas multiple courses of corticosteroids were independently associated with clinical chorioamnionitis (odds ratio=13.15, p=0.025). CONCLUSION: Multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids therapy did not reduce the incidence of RDS in neonates and were associated with increased risk of clinical chorioamnionitis in patients with PPROM.