Late Preterm Antenatal Steroid Use and Infant Outcomes in a Single Center.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To characterize late preterm antenatal steroids (AS) use and associated neonatal outcomes in a single academic center. Study Design: Retrospective study of 503 singleton, mother-infant dyads delivered between 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation between January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Results: 43% did not receive AS (No AS) prior to delivery. Among AS treated, 50% were sub-optimal dosing. No AS had higher preterm premature rupture of membranes and maternal diabetes. AS group had lower mean gestational age and birthweight and longer time from admission to delivery and longer NICU study. There was no difference in neonatal hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Sub-optimal AS dosing in late preterms remains high in our center. AS did not improve neonatal outcomes. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of AS in diabetics delivering late preterm, to optimize the timing of AS dosing, and evaluate the longer term impact on late preterm infants.