Evaluatıon of the timing and indications of antenatal corticosteroid administration

Abstract Objective: To investigate the timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration for pregnant women who were anticipated for preterm birth. Material method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between September 2016 and September 2017 on cases treated with antenatal steroids and then performed birth in our hospital. The first 113 patients with 23-37 weeks of singleton or twin pregnancy, whose birth records could be accessed, were included in the study. Those who gave birth in another hospital, patients with incomplete records, and those carrying more than one of the indication types were excluded from the study. Results: The median interval between antenatal steroid administration and childbirth was 1.00 (0.02-97.00, IQR: 17.77) days. The interval from the first dose until birth was less than 2 days in 57.5% of cases (n=65), 2-7 days in 11.5% of cases (n=13), and more than 7 days in 31.0% of cases (n=35). Totally, this period was 7 days or below in 69.0% of cases (n=78). A significant correlation was found between spontaneous preterm labour as indication of steroid administration and appropriate timing (p=0.001, Odds Ratio:4.62, Confidence Interval: 1.90-11.19). Conclusion: The number of patients giving birth within optimal 2-7 days following the first dose of antenatal steroid administration, is very low. Attempts to improve timing are needed. Keywords:antenatal corticosteroid, preterm birth, indication, optimal timing, administration