Use of antenatal corticosteroids and tocolytic drugs in preterm births in 29 countries: An analysis of the WHO multicountry survey on maternal and newborn health

Abstract

ABSTRACT With more than 15 million infants born preterm annually, preterm birth is the largest cause of death among newborns and the second among children younger than 5 years. Antenatal corticosteroids can improve neonatal outcomes when given at 26 to 34 weeks plus 6 days’ gestation, even if given less than 24 hours before delivery. The use of antenatal corticosteroids outside this gestational age range is controversial, but they can be beneficial at 22 to 26 weeks. Tocolytic drugs inhibit labor progression, but their use alone does not reduce perinatal mortality. No reports have been published on patterns of tocolytic drug use in preterm labor in low- and middle-income countries. This anal..