Julia Unterscheider

Background The benefit of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration for the prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality has been well described for preterm infants. Some studies have demonstrated a benefit for infants born by elective caesarean section (CS) at late preterm or term gestations. However, the neonatal benefits of ACS are not well described when given to pregnant women with diabetes. Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the neonatal outcomes following ACS administration in women with pre‐gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) when administered prior to elective CS after 36 weeks gestation. Methods This retrospective observational study included all women with PGDM who gave birth by elective CS between 36 +0 and 38 +6 weeks gestation. Neonatal outcomes for exposed participants were compared to outcomes for non‐exposed participants. Results Of the 306 women identified, 65 (21.2%) were exposed to ACS within seven days prior to birth and 241 (78.8%) were not. Although not statistically significant, ACS‐exposed infants born prior to 38 +0 weeks were less likely to require respiratory support or neonatal nursery admission compared to those who were not exposed; however, exposed infants born after 37 +0 weeks were more likely to require parenteral treatment for neonatal hypoglycaemia. Conclusion This study did not demonstrate any statistically significant beneficial or harmful effects of ACS in neonates of women with PGDM who are born by elective CS. While it is plausible that ACS could reduce neonatal respiratory morbidity in this population, further prospective studies evaluating the benefits and harms are required before recommending this practice.