Mid-childhood outcomes of repeat antenatal corticosteroids: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess if exposure to repeat dose(s) of antenatal corticosteroids has beneficial effects on neurodevelopment and general health in mid-childhood, at 6 to 8 years corrected age. METHODS: Women at risk for very preterm birth, who had received a course of corticosteroids ≥7 days previously, were randomized to intramuscular betamethasone (11.4 mg Celestone Chronodose) or saline placebo, repeated weekly if risk of very preterm birth remained. Midchildhood assessments included neurocognitive function, behavior, growth, lung function, blood pressure, health-related quality of life, and health service utilization. The primary outcome was survival free of neurosensory disability. RESULT..