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Editorial
. 2017 Jan;39(1):49-51.
doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2016.05.011. Epub 2016 Dec 10.

We Should Proceed With Caution When It Comes to Antenatal Corticosteroids After 34 Weeks

Christina M Nowik  1 , Gregory A L Davies  1 , Graeme N Smith  1
Affiliations
Editorial

We Should Proceed With Caution When It Comes to Antenatal Corticosteroids After 34 Weeks

Christina M Nowik et al. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2017 Jan.

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.

Keywords: Glucocorticoids; betamethasone; dexamethasone; premature birth.

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