title: We Should Proceed With Caution When It Comes to Antenatal Corticosteroids After 34 Weeks.
abstract: The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recently released a statement supporting the use of antenatal corticosteroids for women at high risk of late preterm birth. This followed a trend of increasing use of antenatal corticosteroids after 34 weeks' gestation, based on evidence for decreased respiratory morbidity. The absolute benefits, however, are relatively small. We should balance this against the possible long-term harms of corticosteroids after 34 weeks before expanding the indications for their antenatal use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston ON.
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Nowik
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston ON.
authors.forename: Gregory A L
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston ON.
authors.forename: Graeme N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones
keywords: Glucocorticoids; betamethasone; dexamethasone; premature birth