Continuation of pregnancy after antenatal corticosteroid administration: opportunity for rescue?

J Reprod Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;55(1-2):14-8.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the duration of continuing pregnancy after antenatal corticosteroid (AC) administration and to evaluate the potential opportunity for rescue AC.

Study design: Retrospective analysis of women at 24-32 weeks' gestation who received AC at one institution.

Results: Six hundred ninety-two women received AC. Two hundred forty-seven (35.7%) delivered at > or = 34 weeks' gestation. Three hundred twenty-one (46.4%) delivered within 1 week of AC; 92 of those women (13.3%) delivered within 24 hours. Only 124 (17.9%) remained pregnant 1 week after AC and delivered at < 34 weeks. The latter were compared to women delivering > 2 week after AC but > or = 34 weeks. More likely to deliver at < 34 weeks were those women who received AC for premature preterm rupture of membranes (OR 3.83, 95% CI 2.06-7.17), twins (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.42-5.95) or before 28 weeks (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.38-3.52).

Conclusion: Rescue AC may apply to only 18% of cases, and we identified subsets of more likely candidates.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / drug therapy*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones