Repeat doses of prenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of preterm birth for preventing neonatal respiratory disease

Abstract

Repeat dose(s) of prenatal corticosteroids given to women who remain at risk of an early birth helps the baby's lungs and reduces serious health problems in the first few weeks of life Babies born very early are at risk of breathing difficulties (respiratory distress syndrome). A single course of corticosteroids, given to women who may give birth early, helps develop the baby's lungs. However, this benefit does not last beyond seven days. This review of five trials, involving over 2000 women between 23 and 33 weeks' gestation, shows repeat dose(s) of prenatal corticosteroids, given to women who remain at risk of early birth more than seven days after an initial course of corticosteroids, reduces the risk of the baby having breathing difficulties and the baby is less likely to have serious health problems in the first few weeks of life. However, some trials show the baby may be smaller at birth. Further research is needed on other important health outcomes for the woman and baby, which should include child development.