Antenatal corticosteroids can improve morbidity and mortality among infants born at 23 weeks’ gestation or later, according to a JAMA study. (Current guidelines advise against treatment before 24 weeks.)

Researchers studied some 10,500 U.S. infants born at 22 to 25 weeks’ gestation, three quarters of whom were exposed to antenatal corticosteroids. They found that the primary outcome — death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months’ corrected age — was significantly less common among exposed versus unexposed infants (64% vs. 82%). The benefits of steroid treatment were limited, however, to those born at 23 weeks or later.

The authors acknowledge several study limitations. Nonetheless, they conclude: “Initiation of antenatal corticosteroids may be considered starting at 23 weeks’ gestation and later if the infant will be given intensive care.”

source:JAMA