The proportions of term or late preterm births after exposure to early antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis of 1.6 million infants.

Summary

Systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomised trials and ten population-based cohort studies (about 1.6 million infants) examining how many infants exposed early to antenatal corticosteroids go on to be born at term or late preterm. Around 40% of exposed infants were born at term. Among these, exposure was associated with higher rates of neonatal intensive care admission and intubation, smaller head circumference and later neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorders, although certainty of evidence was low or very low. The authors urge caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids, which is relevant to perinatal counselling and neonatal follow-up.

Summary written for NICUlearn. Always read the original.