Impact of corticosteroids exposure for preterm labor in neonates eventually born at term

Abstract Objective : To evaluate the impact of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACS) on birth parameters of full-term newborns exposed during pregnancy for prematurity threat. Study Design : Exposed newborns were randomly compared to non-exposed controls in a 1-to-2 design. Data were retrospectively collected in infants’ files. Multivariate analysis assessed the impact of ACS on neonatal outcome. Result: 408 term born neonates were included, 136exposed to ACScompared to 272 non-exposed controls. Mean+/-SD Head Circumference (HC) was 33.7+/-1.4 vs 34.3+/-1.6 cm, p=0.001in exposed vs controls; birth weight (BW) 3.1+/-0.4 vs.3.3+/-0.4 Kg; p = 0.0001; Birth Height (BH) 47.9+/-2.1 vs. 49.1+/-2.0 cm; p<0.0001. Hypocalcemia (4.4 vs 0.7% p=0.019) and eating difficulties (5.1 vs 1.5% p=0.047)were significantly higher in exposed newborns. Multivariate analysis for HC showed a significant independent association with ACS(β=-0.5, p=0.009). Conclusion : Term neonates exposed to ACS have a smaller HC at birth and a higher risk of neonatal complications.