Relationship between the time interval from antenatal corticosteroid administration until preterm birth and the occurrence of respiratory morbidity

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Jul;205(1):49.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.03.035. Epub 2011 Mar 26.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between neonatal respiratory morbidity and the interval between antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration and birth.

Study design: We performed a retrospective cohort study among women who had received ACS and delivered at <34 weeks of gestation. We categorized these women in 4 groups: ACS-to-delivery interval of 0-7, 8-14, 15-21, and 22-28 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the association between the ACS-to-delivery interval and neonatal respiratory morbidity.

Results: We included 254 neonates. Eighty-two neonates (32%) were intubated. In comparison with neonates with an ACS-to-delivery interval of 0-7 days, the risk for intubation was increased in all other groups (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-5.4; OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.8-18; and OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 0.71-32, not statistically significant, respectively).

Conclusion: The effect of ACS decreases when the ACS-to-delivery interval exceeds 7 days. The first administration of ACS should be considered carefully.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Premature Birth / physiopathology*
  • Prenatal Care*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / mortality
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones