Antenatal corticosteroids and neurodevelopmental outcomes in late preterm births

ObjectivesAntenatal corticosteroids (ACS) decrease neonatal mortality and morbidity among preterm neonates, yet there has been concern regarding their long-term safety. We hypothesised that potential long-term adverse effects of ACS may be observed among infants born during the late preterm period (LPT, 340/7–366/7weeks of gestation), when the benefits of ACS are subtle.DesignPopulation-based, retrospective cohort.SettingOntario, Canada, between 2006 and 2011.PatientsAll live singleton infants born during the LPT period with a minimum 5-year follow-up.InterventionsExposure to ACS prior to 340/7weeks of gestation.Main outcome measuresSuspected neurocognitive disorder, audiometry testing or visual testing.ResultsOverall, 25 668 infants were eligible for analysis, of whom 2689 (10.5%) received ACS. Infants in the ACS group had lower mean birth weight and higher rates of birth weight ConclusionIn children born during the LPT period, exposure to ACS prior to 340/7weeks of gestation is associated with an increased utilisation of the healthcare system related to audiometry and visual testing and suspected neurocognitive disorders by 5 years of age.