A comparative study of the contribution of antenatal corticosteroids administration on improving neonatal respiratory function after elective cesarean section

Abstract

A comparative study of the contribution of antenatal corticosteroids administration on improving neonatal respiratory function after elective cesarean section E. Panagiotou 1 , P. Tsikouras 1 , A. Bothou 2 , S. Fotopoulos 2 , S. Zervoudis 2 , D. Deuteraiou 1 , A. B. Chalil 1 , G. Trypsianis 3 , G. Galazios 1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rea Hospital, Athens 3Department of Medical Statistics, Medical Faculty, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis (Greece) Summary Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of corticosteroid administration (CA) 48 hours before an elective cesarean sections (ECS) at term neonates, as compared to usual management without corticosteroids, as well as antenatal CA is related to reducing neonatal respiratory problems (RP). Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in neonates who were born between 37 and 39 gestational weeks after ECS and 718 pregnant women at term, who underwent ECS were enrolled. The participants were categorized in two groups. Group 1 consisted of 315 pregnant women who underwent CA (a single dose of 12 mg betamethasone (BS) 48 hours before the ECS). Group 2 consisted of 403 pregnancies, that did not receive any BS before the ECS. Results: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in APGAR scores, at one and five minutes between the two groups. Nineteen (2.6%) children were born with respiratory problems. The incidence of RP was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in women who did not receive corticosteroids in contrast to those who received them (3.7% vs. 1.3%). In group 2, the lack of CA was associated with a three-fold increase in risk of RP in neonates (OR: 3.01). In group 2 an increased risk of RP in neonates was observed during 37 or 39 weeks (40% and 75%, respectively), but these trends were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The single-dose of prenatal administration of (BS) 48 hours before the ECS, seems to improve the lung function of neonates. Key words: Corticosteroid administration; Elective cesarean section; Term pregnancies.