Title : Single-dose vs a full course of dexamethasone as antenatal corticosteroid among mothers with preterm births and their fetal outcomes: A cohort study
Abstract:
The benefits of a full course of antenatal corticosteroids are well documented. Unfortunately, the benefits giving incomplete antenatal corticosteroid remain a subject for debate, especially as the few studies available have conflicting results. This study, therefore, aimed to compare the fetal outcomes of obstetric patients at 24w to 34w gestation who received either a single dose or a full course of dexamethasone.
This is a cohort study with a sample size of 149 i.e. 75 for each group. Mothers who delivered preterm neonates between 24w and 34w gestation were recruited, and were divided into the Single-Dose and Full-Course groups. The participants were profiled and their fetal outcomes were compared using the chi-square test. Those who received a full course of dexamethasone have significantly better fetal outcomes in terms of Apgar Score (P-0.0072), 24-hour neonatal survival (P-0.0444), and in the development of respiratory distress syndrome (P-0.0004).
Providing a single dose of dexamethasone prior to delivery does not significantly improve the fetal outcomes. An overwhelming majority of preterm births occur without receiving a second dose of dexamethasone and as such, more studies are needed in order to explore if the benefits of giving just one dose of dexamethasone prior to delivery truly outweigh its risks.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- This will help Obstetricians discern if the benefits of giving just one dose of dexamethasone prior to delivery truly outweigh its risks.
- Provides further evidence on the effects and benefits (if any) of giving incomplete course of antentatal corticosteroids.
