The benefit was most pronounced in preventing or lessening the severity of RDS, a problem that affects 40,000 infants a year and is a leading cause of infant mortality. The average length of hospital stay was reduced by about one third for infants treated with corticosteroids. The panel was convened to assess the potential risks and benefits of administering corticosteroids to women at risk for preterm delivery. This therapy has been available since 1972 but has been underutilized because of concerns about the effectiveness of corticosteroids and the potential complications of treatment in certain cases. However, after reviewing the scientific literature and hearing data from experts, the panel concluded that the benefits of prenatal administration of corticosteroids vastly outweigh any potential risks.
Corticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal gland.
These hormones have been synthesized and when given to pregnant women, accelerate the maturation of specific organs, including the lungs, in the fetus. Among reasons cited for the limited use of antenatal corticosteroids were the claims of its ineffectiveness in males, whites, multiple gestations, and when delivery was expected within 48 hours. The panel found no basis for these claims. While it was unclear whether therapy increases neonatal or maternal infection, the panel concluded the risk of neonatal mortality from prematurity is much higher than from infection. No adverse long-term effects in the mother have been reported.