title: A conference report on prenatal corticosteroid use in low- and middle-income countries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the evidence for prenatal corticosteroid use in low- and middle-income countries and to make recommendations regarding implementation and further research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies and meta-analyses on prenatal corticosteroids relevant to low- and middle-income countries were identified and reviewed at the Maternal and Child Health Integrated Project (MCHIP) Antenatal Corticosteroid Conference held in Washington on October 19, 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of prenatal corticosteroid use in hospitals in high- and middle-income countries, usually in settings with high-level newborn care. For births occurring in hospitals in low-income countries without high-level neonatal care or for births outside hospitals, no studies have been conducted to evaluate prenatal corticosteroid use. The efficacy and safety of prenatal corticosteroid use in these settings must be evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The conference working group recommended expanding the use of prenatal corticosteroids in hospitals with high-level newborn care in low-income countries. For other low-income country settings, further research regarding efficacy and safety should precede the widespread introduction of prenatal corticosteroids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Triangle Institute, Durham 27709, USA. mcclure@rti.org
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: McClure
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Graft-Johnson
authors.forename: Alan H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Jobe
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Marge
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koblinsky
authors.forename: Allisyn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.forename: Linda L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Winifride
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mwebesa
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koso-Thomas
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Goldenberg
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000592:standards; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids