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

Abstract

(BMJ. 2023;382:e076035 | doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076035 l. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-076035) Preterm birth is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both newborns and children. Women at risk of preterm delivery often receive antenatal corticosteroids, depending on their gestational age. These steroids enhance fetal lung maturation; however, unnecessary corticosteroid exposure is a concern. Guidelines recommend tracking and minimizing such exposure to discourage overuse. Animal studies indicate potential risks to fetal brain development and long-term health. This systematic review explored the outcomes of infants exposed to early antenatal corticosteroids, emphasizing the importance of their reasonable use in mitigating risks.