Preterm birth with antenatal corticosteroid administration has injurious and persistent effects on the structure and composition of the aorta and pulmonary artery

Background: Between 5-15% of babies are born prematurely worldwide, with preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy (term is at 40 weeks of gestation). Women at risk of preterm birth receive antenatal corticosteroids as part of standard care to accelerate fetal lung maturation and thus improve neonatal outcomes in the event of delivery. As a consequence of this treatment, the entire fetal organ system is exposed to the administered corticosteroids. The implications of this exposure, particularly the long-term impacts on offspring health, are poorly understood. Aims: This review will consider the origins of antenatal corticosteroid treatment and variations in current clinical practices surrounding the treatment. The limitations in the evidence base supporting the use of antenatal corticosteroids and the evidence of potential harm to offspring are also summarised. Results: Little has been done to optimise the dose and formulation of antenatal corticosteroid treatment since the first clinical trial in 1972. International guidelines for the use of the treatment lack clarity regarding the recommended type of corticosteroid and the gestational window of treatment administration. Furthermore, clinical trials cited in the most recent Cochrane Review have limitations which should be taken into account when considering the use of antenatal corticosteroids in clinical practice. Lastly, there is limited evidence regarding the long-term effects on the different fetal organ systems exposed in utero, particularly when the timing of corticosteroid administration is sub-optimal. Conclusion: Further investigations are urgently needed to determine the most safe and effective treatment regimen for antenatal corticosteroids, particularly regarding the type of corticosteroid and optimal gestational window of administration. A clear consensus on the use of this common treatment could maximise the benefits and minimise potential harms to offspring.

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Does corticosteroid therapy impact fetal pulmonary artery blood flow in women at risk for preterm birth?

Medical Ultrasonography ◽

10.11152/mu.2013.2066.173.wly ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 280 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

William Lindsley ◽

Richard Hale ◽

Ashley Spear ◽

Jasvant Adusumalli ◽

Jasbir Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Blood Flow ◽

Preterm Birth ◽

Pulmonary Artery ◽

Corticosteroid Therapy ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Pulmonary Blood Flow ◽

Peak Systolic Velocity ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

Acceleration Time

Aim: Maternal corticosteroid administration in pregnancy is known to enhance fetal lung maturity in at risk fetuses. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that corticosteroid therapy alters fetal pulmonary blood flow in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth (PTB). Material and methods: We prospectively evaluated main fetal pulmonary artery (MPA) blood flow in pregnant women at risk for PTB and treated with corticosteroids (betamethasone), compared to an uncomplicated cohort without steroid therapy. The Doppler indices of interest included Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), Resistive Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Systolic/Diastolic ratio (S/D ratio), Acceleration Time (AT), and Acceleration Time/Ejection Time Ratio (AT/ ET ratio), with the latter serving as the primary outcomes due to its stability irrespective of gestational age. Results: When compared with controls, fetuses treated with corticosteroids demonstrated significantly decreased pulmonary artery acceleration time (median: 28.89 (22.22-51.11) vs. 33.33 (22.20-57.00), p=0.006), while all other indices remained similar. We found no difference in pulmonary blood flow between fetuses who developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and those that did not (31.56 ± 6.842 vs. 32.36 ± 7.265, p= 0.76). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate altered fetal pulmonary blood flow with corticosteroid therapy, possibly due to increased arterial elastance brought on by medication effect, which leads to the decreased acceleration time or possible gestational age affect. Contrary to a recent report, we did not observe any Doppler differences in fetuses with RDS, which underscores the need for further examination of this proposed association.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Association of Short Antenatal Corticosteroid Administration-to-Birth Intervals With Survival and Morbidity Among Very Preterm Infants: Results From the EPICE Cohort.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.727615529.793577039 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Shennan

Keyword(s):

Preterm Infants ◽

Antenatal Corticosteroid ◽

Birth Intervals ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

Very Preterm Infants ◽

Very Preterm

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The impact of betamethasone on fetal pulmonary, umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry and its relationship with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03655-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Homeira Vafaei ◽

Fahimeh Kaveh Baghbahadorani ◽

Nasrin Asadi ◽

Maryam Kasraeian ◽

Azam Faraji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Artery ◽

Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽

Respiratory Distress ◽

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Cerebral Artery ◽

Distress Syndrome ◽

Exposed Group ◽

Doppler Velocity ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Prenatal corticosteroid administration is known to be an effective strategy in improving fetal pulmonary maturity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal betamethasone administration on fetal pulmonary and other arteries Doppler velocity and the correlation between RDS development and Doppler indices results. Methods Fifty one singleton pregnancies between 26 and 34 gestational weeks with a diagnosis of preterm labor were included in the exposed group and received betamethasone. Fifty one uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the non-exposed group. Fetal pulmonary, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries Doppler parameters were evaluated before and 24 to 48 h after steroid administration in the exposed group and two times at same intervals in the non-exposed group. Maternal records were matched to neonatal charts if delivery happened, and demographic and outcome data were abstracted. Results When compared with the nonexposed group, fetuses treated with corticosteroids demonstrated significantly decreased umbilical artery Pulsatility index (PI) and significantly increased the middle cerebral artery PI, pulmonary artery Acceleration time (AT) and pulmonary artery AT/ET (Ejection time), while all other indices remained similar. We found significantly decreased pulmonary artery AT in the fetuses with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) compared to those that did not. Conclusions The results of our study showed that maternal antenatal betamethasone administration caused significant changes in the fetus blood velocity waveforms and also affected the blood flow in the pulmonary artery which led to an increase in the pulmonary artery AT and AT/ET. Among those fetuses with RDS, we found a significant decrease in the pulmonary artery AT, but we did not observe any pulmonary artery AT/ET differences.

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MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES WITH ANTENATAL CORTICOSTEROID ADMINISTRATION IN PRETERM DELIVERIES AT GOVERNMENT DISTRICT HOSPITAL, NANDYAL- AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

10.36106/ijar/0500384 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 8-14

Author(s):

P. Swathi ◽

K. Radhikajyothi

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽

Respiratory Distress ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Distress Syndrome ◽

District Hospital ◽

Antenatal Corticosteroid ◽

Antenatal Corticosteroids ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

Antenatal Steroids ◽

Government District

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth remains a major health issue worldwide. Preterm delivery affects over 7–12% of births in India and is responsible for up to 75% of neonatal deaths. Despite advances in medical technology, the prevalence of preterm birth is increasing. Discovery of antenatal corticosteroid for fetal maturation and its adoption into clinical practice highlights several fascinating and universal truths about science and medicine. The challenge in human studies is to demonstrate antenatal corticosteroid administration in pregnancy contributes to developmental programming and how this is manifested in later life. The World Health Organization recommends the use of one course of antenatal steroids for all pregnant women between 26 and 35 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days. Both, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend their use between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation (1). The use of antenatal steroids after 34 or 35 weeks of gestation is not recommended unless there is evidence of fetal pulmonary immaturity. Despite this, antenatal steroids are widely used globally across all gestational periods. In a diverse country like India, diversity in clinical practice is a reality. Hence, the present research study intends to study the maternal and perinatal outcomes with antenatal corticosteroid administration in preterm deliveries at Government district hospital, Nandyal in South India. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Ÿ To determine the incidence of RDS at District hospital, Nandyal among neonates delivered between 28-37 weeks due to PTL, PPROM or severe PET whose mothers received ACS and in those whose mothers did not receive ACS. Ÿ To determine the severity of RDS at District hospital, Nandyal among neonates delivered between 28-37 weeks due to PTL, PPROM or severe PET whose mothers received ACS and in those whose mothers did not receive ACS. Ÿ To compare the neonatal mortality among neonates delivered between 28-37 weeks due to PTL, PPROM or severe PET whose mothers received ACS with those whose mothers did not receive ACS. Ÿ To determine the effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroid administration in preventing early neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in early preterm labour versus late preterm labour. Ÿ To determine the effectiveness of ACS administration in preventing neonatal complications with respect to the mode of delivery. METHODOLOGY: Study was conducted at Government District Hospital, Nandyal from 01/01/2019 to 30/10/2019. A structured questionnaire was prepared under guidance of thesis guide. All pregnant women with gestational age between 28 completed weeks to 37 completed weeks, presenting in OPD either in labour or getting admitted due to any other maternal medical complication, are initially assessed thoroughly to estimate the gestational age by history, LMP, early USG, and clinical examination. They are given a course of ACS if they were not expecting delivery within next 1 hour, after explaining the benets and risks of ACS as per recommendations of Federation of International st Gynecology and Obstetrics. Those who did not receive ACS or those who delivered within 24hrs of administration of 1 dose of ACS were considered as subjects in NACS group. Those who received ACS were considered as subjects in ACS group. After delivery, the neonate is followed up in NICU until discharged or until 7 days whichever is shorter. Mother is followed up for any clinical signs of infection, until she is discharged. Data is analyzed scientically. RESULTS: In Antenatal corticosteroids group (ACS), there were 36 subjects within 20 years, 43 subjects between 20-25 years, 29 subjects between 25-30 years, 25 subjects between 30-35 years. In No Antenatal corticosteroids group (NACS), there were 32 subjects within 20 years, 49 subjects between 20-25 years, 25 subjects between 25-30 years, 10 subjects between 30-35 years. Study observed that Antenatal corticosteroids group had lower incidence of Respiratory distress syndrome compared to No Antenatal corticosteroids group (12.07% versus 23.28%). Antenatal corticosteroids group had lower incidence of severe Respiratory distress syndrome compared to No Antenatal corticosteroids group (21.3 % versus 33.33%) among those who had Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Antenatal corticosteroids group had fewer admissions to NICU than No Antenatal corticosteroids group (20.69% versus 33.62%). Antenatal corticosteroids group had lower mortality than No Antenatal corticosteroids group (12.07 % versus 22.41%). Antenatal corticosteroids group had 35 % less chances of Respiratory distress syndrome compared to No Antenatal corticosteroids group. In No Antenatal corticosteroids group, subjects who underwent vaginal delivery had 10% less risk compared to those who underwent LSCS for their neonates to have Respiratory distress syndrome. In Antenatal corticosteroids group, subjects who underwent vaginal delivery had 14.29 % less risk compared to those who underwent LSCS for their neonates to have Respiratory distress syndrome. Antenatal corticosteroids group had maternal infection rate comparable to No Antenatal Corticosteroids group. CONCLUSION: Use of antenatal corticosteroids was found to be benecial in pregnant women with Gestational age of 28 completed weeks to less than 37 completed weeks at Government District hospital, Nandyal. Antenatal corticosteroids did not have statistically signicant adverse effects (i.e. increased rate of infection) in mothers.

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Association of Antenatal Corticosteroid Exposure and Infant Survival at 22 and 23 Weeks

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1740062 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Robert M. Rossi ◽

Emily A. DeFranco ◽

Eric S. Hall

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

The United States ◽

Adjusted Relative Risk ◽

Antenatal Corticosteroid ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Antenatal Corticosteroids ◽

Executive Summary ◽

Weight Category ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

Antenatal Steroid

Objective In 2014, the leading obstetric societies published an executive summary of a joint workshop to establish obstetric interventions to be considered for periviable births. Antenatal corticosteroid administration between 220/7 and 226/7 weeks was not recommended given existing evidence. We sought to evaluate whether antenatal steroid exposure was associated with improved survival among resuscitated newborns delivered between 22 and 23 weeks of gestation. Study Design We conducted a population-based cohort study of all resuscitated livebirths delivered between 220/7 and 236/7 weeks of gestation in the United States during 2009 to 2014 utilizing National Center for Health Statistics data. The primary outcome was rate of survival to 1 year of life (YOL) between infant cohorts based on antenatal steroid exposure. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association of antenatal steroid exposure on survival outcomes. Results In the United States between 2009 and 2014, there were 2,635 and 7,992 infants who received postnatal resuscitation after delivery between 220/7 to 226/7 and 230/7 to 236/7 weeks of gestation, respectively. Few infants born at 22 (15.9%) and 23 (26.0%) weeks of gestation received antenatal corticosteroids (ANCS). Among resuscitated neonates, survival to 1 YOL was 45.2 versus 27.8% (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–2.1) and 57.9 versus 47.7% (aRR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5) for infants exposed to ANCS compared with those not exposed at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation, respectively. When stratified by 100 g birth weight category, ANCS were associated with survival among neonates weighing 500 to 599 g (aRR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.9) and 600 to 699 g (aRR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) at 22 weeks. Conclusion Exposure to ANCS was associated with higher survival rates to 1 YOL among resuscitated infants born at 22 and 23 weeks. National guidelines recommending against ANCS utilization at 22 weeks should be re-evaluated given emerging evidence of benefit. Key Points

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Efficacy of Antenatal Corticosteroid Injection in the Prevention of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome after C-Section

10.53350/pjmhs211581874 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 1874-1876

Author(s):

Zainab Wali ◽

Samina Gohar ◽

Sehrish Waseem ◽

Munawar Afzal

Keyword(s):

Caesarean Section ◽

Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽

Respiratory Distress ◽

Distress Syndrome ◽

Elective Caesarean Section ◽

Elective Cesarean Section ◽

Years Of Experience ◽

Antenatal Corticosteroid ◽

Term Pregnancy ◽

Corticosteroid Administration

Aim: To determine the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroid in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome of the neonates in women undergoing elective cesarean section at term pregnancy. Study design: Descriptive case series Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from 6th December 2018 to 6th May 2019. Methodology: One hundred and seventy five women were enrolled. The women after taking complete history with obstetrical examination and antenatal corticosteroid administration i.e. 12 mg dexamethasone IM (two doses 12 hours apart) were observed. The caesarean section was performed by experienced obstetrician having minimum of five years of experience after 24 hours and within seven days of the second dose of dexamethasone. All the neonates were carefully examined in NICU for the detection of respiratory distress syndrome. All these observations were done under supervision of an expert pediatrician having minimum of five years of experience. Results: The mean age was 28±11.34 years. Thirty five percent patients had POG range 37+ weeks while 65% patients had POG range 38+ weeks. Mean POG was 37±1.12 weeks. More over antenatal corticosteroid was effective in 97% patients and was not effective in 3% patients. Conclusion: The antenatal corticosteroid was 97% effective in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome of the neonates, in women undergoing ELSC at term after elective caesarean section for term pregnancy. Keywords: Efficacy, Antenatal corticosteroid, Respiratory distress syndrome, Neonates, Elective C- section,

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