Effect of Timing of Administration of Corticosteroids on Preterm Delivery and Neonatal Outcome

• DOI: 10.61919/1jshze14
• Publication Date: 2025-05-07T00:45:27Z
• Authors: Sanam Shehzadi; Abida Ashraf; Erum Pervaiz; Umbreen Akram; Noureen Jawad; Asif Hanif

Background: Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, while antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are widely used to enhance fetal lung maturity, the optimal timing their administration remains uncertain in low-resource settings. Objective: To assess impact corticosteroid-to-delivery intervals on outcomes—specifically respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), mortality—among women at risk preterm birth. Methods: This descriptive case series was conducted CMH Gujranwala from 1 January 2 April 2025, involving 100 high-risk pregnant aged 18–40 years, 27+0 36+0 weeks gestation. Corticosteroid grouped into ≤2, 2–7, 7–14, >14 days before delivery. Outcomes were clinically assessed using standardized diagnostic protocols. Ethical approval obtained, informed consent secured. Data analyzed SPSS v25 chi-square tests logistic regression. Results: Although RDS occurred all neonates (100%), incidence NEC highest 7–14 day group (73.7%), followed by 2–7 (60.0%), (45.5%), ≤2 (35.0%). Logistic regression showed significantly higher (adjusted OR = 5.60; 95% CI: 1.49–21.09; p 0.010) compared days. BPD more prevalent (45.5%). No statistically significant associations observed for IVH (p 0.612) or mortality 0.994). Conclusion: While corticosteroid crucial management, beyond 7 may increase complications like NEC. Improved prediction labor individualized strategies outcomes resource-limited