Administration of Antenatal Corticosteroids: Current State of Knowledge

The administration of a single course of corticosteroids before week 34 + 0 of gestation in cases with impending preterm birth is now standard procedure in obstetric care and firmly established in the guidelines of different countries. But despite the apparently convincing data, numerous aspects of this intervention have not yet been properly studied. It is still not clear which corticosteroid achieves the best results. There are very few studies on what constitutes an appropriate dose, circadian rhythms, the time frame in which corticosteroids are effective, and the balance between the risks and benefits of repeat administration. As the existing studies have rarely included patients before week 24 + 0 of gestation, we have very little information on the possible benefits of administering corticosteroids before this timepoint. If corticosteroids are administered antenatally after week 34 + 0 of gestation, the short-term benefit may be offset by the long-term adverse effect on psychomotor development. This present study summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding these issues.

Use of antenatal corticosteroids in Brazil: data analysis from the National Survey Nascer no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the rate of the use of antenatal corticosteroids (ANC) among pregnant women and to identify the conditions associated with their non-use in Brazil. Methods: Secondary data analysis from “Birth in Brazil”, a national hospital-based survey carried out in 2011–2012 on childbirth and birth. The sample was characterized regarding maternal age, marital status and maternal education, parity, mode of delivery and place of residence. The association of ANC use with gestational age and type of delivery was analyzed. The studied maternal complications were the presence of hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and pyelonephritis, infection by the HIV virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Results: 2,623 pregnant women with less than 37 weeks of gestational age were identified, and, of these, 835 (31.8%) received ANC. The frequency of ANC use was higher among women with gestational ages between 26–34 weeks (481 cases; 48.73%). In pregnancies with less than 37 weeks, the use of ANC was 23.9% in spontaneous deliveries, 20.6% in induced deliveries and 43.8% among those who did not go into labor. The variables vaginal delivery (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.8–3.4) and living in the countryside were associated with not using ANC, and the occurrence of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (OR 1.8; 95%CI 1.2–2.9) was associated with the use of ANC. Conclusions: The use of ANC among Brazilian pregnant women was low. Interventions to increase its use are necessary and can contribute to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. ANC should be promoted in pregnancies of less than 37 weeks, especially in cases of vaginal delivery and for those living in the countryside.

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

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.

Effect of Ayurvedic Interventions on Toxemia of Pregnancy (Preeclampsia) & Fetal Outcome- A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Toxemia of pregnancy also known as preeclampsia is a common clinical condition affecting 8-10% pregnancies worldwide. It has adverse outcome both for mother and fetus. The management options are mainly targeted to prevent adverse outcomes associated to premature births, such as administration of antenatal corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate infusions. Aim & Objectives: The main aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in management of toxemia and in prevention of premature delivery as well as fetal hazards due to pre-eclampsia. Methods: It was an open ended, parallel group, randomized placebo controlled clinical trial with equal allocation in both the groups. Sample size was 15 in each group. Trial group was administered Gokshura Siddha Yavagu(Green gram gruel medicated with Tribulus terrestris Linn) and Dhatryavaleha (linctus prepared with Ayurveda medicines like Phyllanthus emblica L.)while control group was treated with similar looking placebo-linctus. Results: Both ayurvedic parameters-Shotha(edema), Avil mutrata (Discolored urine) & clinical features of toxemia have shown excellent relief while control group patients either show poor or no relief when assessed by USG scan and needed further treatment with induction of labor. Conclusion: This study concludes that Ayurvedic interventions in the form of Gokshura siddha Yavagu and Dhatri Avleha can provide significant symptomatic relief (p<0.0001) in toxemia of pregnancy and can also promote normal growth and development in fetus.

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

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