Effect of antenatal corticosteroids on neonatal neurodevelopment: a review / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Antenatal corticosteroid administration to women at risk of preterm delivery within 34 gestational weeks can effectively reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Due to concerns that antenatal corticosteroids may impair the development of the newborn's nervous system, there is a controversy regarding the use of antenatal corticosteroids in pregnant women ≥34 gestational weeks and those with complications. This article reviews the short- and long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroid administration on the nervous system of neonates born to women at different gestational ages and with comorbidities. More and higher-quality evidence is required for routine application of antenatal corticosteroids in pregnant women ≥34 gestational weeks.