Finally, data are needed regarding the appropriate frequency of dosing in women who have received antenatal corticosteroids but remain at risk of preterm delivery. Despite its track record of efficacy and safety, many physicians have not fully utilized this important therapy. 17 Recent evidence indicates that the use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy has increased. Phibbs and colleagues achieved a rate of 80 percent of corticosteroid use among eligible women in a recent study. They suggest that this rate may represent an achievable national standard.
Antenatal corticosteroids are less likely to be administered to women with no prenatal care.
Another study showed that maternal-fetal medicine personnel are uncertain about the risks and benefits of antenatal corticosteroid use. This study indicated that physicians probably overestimated the probability of possible side effects and underestimated the likely benefits resulting from antenatal corticosteroid administration. 19 Antenatal corticosteroid therapy constitutes an essential part of contemporary perinatal practice. Despite the clear advantages, this therapy remains underutilized. More effective dissemination of the information about the benefits of antenatal corticosteroid therapy may help to increase utilization rates.