In 1973 a mental health practitioner would have to read 3 research papers per day to stay up to date on the latest high quality research. By 2013 that number rose to 249 papers per day.
André Tomlin, The Mental Elf
NIHR SIgnal: Antenatal corticosteroids reduce breathing problems in late preterm babies
Giving corticosteroids to women at risk of preterm birth at 34 weeks of pregnancy or later reduced the risk of severe breathing problems in the baby after birth from 1.9% to 1.1%. Steroids also reduced the risk for babies born by planned caesarean section after 37 weeks (so not premature). Steroids are known to be beneficial if given to pregnant women at risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks and are already advised for babies born by caesarean section. This meta-analysis of six large trials provides new evidence that steroids might also benefit premature babies born after the 34th week. However, the review also found steroids increased the risk of low blood sugar in the new-born, which would need monitoring. The risks and benefits need to be considered before further recommendations can be made extending the use of antenatal corticosteroids to this late preterm age. This includes exploring the long-term effects and consequences for specific groups of women such as those with diabetes or pregnant with more than one baby.
Back to search