Long-term consequences linked with preterm exposure to prenatal corticosteroids vs no exposure in all children, has been a topic of interest among researchers since long.According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed the impact of fetal corticosteroid exposure on the likelihood of long-term neurological damage varied depending on birth time. Clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies which evaluated the similar parameters among 1 year or older and had preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids were included in the study.

It was reported that exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids showed a significant reduction in risk of neurodevelopmental impairment among children with extremely preterm birth, a higher risk for neurocognitive disorders in children with late-preterm and a higher risk of mental or behavioral disorders as well as proven or suspected neurocognitive disorders among children with full-term birth. 

The findings showed that a single course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a significantly lower risk of neuro-developmental impairment in children born extremely preterm, but a significantly higher risk of adverse neurocognitive and/or psychological outcomes in children born late-preterm and full-term, who made up about half of those who received antenatal corticosteroids. The data imply that prenatal corticosteroids should be used with caution. (MedPage Today, April 11, 2022)