Long-term outcomes of antenatal corticosteroids treatment in very preterm infants after chorioamnionitis

Evaluation of Long-term Outcomes Associated With Preterm Exposure to Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Animal studies have found that antenatal corticosteroids affect many organs across multiple stages of life. However, the long-term outcomes in human children are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcomes associated with preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids compared with no exposure in all children as well as children with preterm and full-term birth.

DATA SOURCES

Academic databases were searched for articles published from January 1, 2000, to October 29, 2021, including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar. References of articles were also searched for relevant studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies that assessed long-term neurodevelopmental, psychological, or other outcomes at 1 year or older in those who had preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids were included. No language restrictions were set.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data using a piloted data extraction form. Data on study population, pregnancy characteristics, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes were collected. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines were followed, and random-effects models were used for the meta-analysis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was an author-defined composite of any adverse neurodevelopmental and/or psychological disorder. The secondary outcomes included specific measures of psychological disorders; neurodevelopmental delay; and anthropometric, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, and involved more than 1.25 million children who were at least 1 year of age when the outcomes were assessed. Exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids for children with extremely preterm birth was associated with a significant reduction in risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84]; I2 = 0%; low certainty). For children with late-preterm birth, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a higher risk of investigation for neurocognitive disorders (n = 25 668 children; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]; low certainty). For children with full-term birth, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a higher risk of mental or behavioral disorders (n = 641 487 children; aHR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.36-1.60]; low certainty) as well as proven or suspected neurocognitive disorders (n = 529 205 children; aHR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.10-1.21]; low certainty).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Results of this study showed that exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a significantly lower risk of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with extremely preterm birth but a significantly higher risk of adverse neurocognitive and/or psychological outcomes in children with late-preterm and full-term birth, who made up approximately half of those with exposure to antenatal corticosteroids. The findings suggest a need for caution in administering antenatal corticosteroids.

Antenatal corticosteroids and neurodevelopmental outcomes in late preterm births

OBJECTIVES

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) decrease neonatal mortality and morbidity among preterm neonates, yet there has been concern regarding their long-term safety. We hypothesised that potential long-term adverse effects of ACS may be observed among infants born during the late preterm period (LPT, 34^0/7-36^6/7 weeks of gestation), when the benefits of ACS are subtle.

DESIGN

Population-based, retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Ontario, Canada, between 2006 and 2011.

PATIENTS

All live singleton infants born during the LPT period with a minimum 5-year follow-up.

INTERVENTIONS

Exposure to ACS prior to 34^0/7 weeks of gestation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Suspected neurocognitive disorder, audiometry testing or visual testing.

RESULTS

Overall, 25 668 infants were eligible for analysis, of whom 2689 (10.5%) received ACS. Infants in the ACS group had lower mean birth weight and higher rates of birth weight <10th percentile, neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care unit admission. At 5 years of age, ACS exposure was associated with an increased risk of suspected neurocognitive disorder (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.20), audiometry testing (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.31) and visual testing (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11).

CONCLUSION

In children born during the LPT period, exposure to ACS prior to 34^0/7 weeks of gestation is associated with an increased utilisation of the healthcare system related to audiometry and visual testing and suspected neurocognitive disorders by 5 years of age.

Chorioamnionitis and Risk for Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of maternal and neonatal sepsis associated with chorioamnionitis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, BIOSIS, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for full-text articles in English from inception until May 11, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We screened 1,251 studies. Randomized controlled trials, case-control, or cohort studies quantifying a relationship between chorioamnionitis and sepsis in mothers (postpartum) or neonates born at greater than 22 weeks of gestation were eligible. Studies were grouped for meta-analyses according to exposures of histologic or clinical chorioamnionitis and outcomes of maternal or neonatal sepsis.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

One hundred three studies were included, and 55 met criteria for meta-analysis (39 studies of preterm neonates, 10 studies of general populations of preterm and term neonates, and six studies of late preterm and term neonates). Study details and quantitative data were abstracted. Random-effects models were used to generate pooled odds ratios (ORs); most studies only reported unadjusted results. Histologic chorioamnionitis was associated with confirmed and any early-onset neonatal sepsis (unadjusted pooled ORs 4.42 [95% CI 2.68-7.29] and 5.88 [95% CI 3.68-9.41], respectively). Clinical chorioamnionitis was also associated with confirmed and any early-onset neonatal sepsis (unadjusted pooled ORs 6.82 [95% CI 4.93-9.45] and 3.90 [95% CI 2.74-5.55], respectively). Additionally, histologic and clinical chorioamnionitis were each associated with higher odds of late-onset sepsis in preterm neonates. Confirmed sepsis incidence was 7% (early-onset) and 22% (late-onset) for histologic and 6% (early-onset) and 26% (late-onset) for clinical chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates. Three studies evaluated chorioamnionitis and maternal sepsis and were inconclusive.

CONCLUSION

Both histologic and clinical chorioamnionitis were associated with early- and late-onset sepsis in neonates. Overall, our findings support current guidelines for preventative neonatal care. There was insufficient evidence to determine the association between chorioamnionitis and maternal sepsis.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42020156812.

Bias in comparisons of mortality among very preterm births: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Several studies of prenatal determinants and neonatal morbidity and mortality among very preterm births have resulted in unexpected and paradoxical findings. We aimed to compare perinatal death rates among cohorts of very preterm births (24-31 weeks) with rates among all births in these groups (≥24 weeks), using births-based and fetuses-at-risk formulations.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of singleton live births and stillbirths ≥24 weeks' gestation using population-based data from the United States and Canada (2006-2015). We contrasted rates of perinatal death between women with or without hypertensive disorders, between maternal races, and between births in Canada vs the United States.

RESULTS

Births-based perinatal death rates at 24-31 weeks were lower among hypertensive than among non-hypertensive women (rate ratio [RR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.65-0.68), among Black mothers compared with White mothers (RR 0.94, 95%CI 0.92-0.95) and among births in the United States compared with Canada (RR 0.74, 95%CI 0.71-0.75). However, overall (≥24 weeks) perinatal death rates were higher among births to hypertensive vs non-hypertensive women (RR 2.14, 95%CI 2.10-2.17), Black vs White mothers (RR 1.86, 95%CI 184-1.88;) and births in the United States vs Canada (RR 1.08, 95%CI 1.05-1.10), as were perinatal death rates based on fetuses-at-risk at 24-31 weeks (RR for hypertensive disorders: 2.58, 95%CI 2.53-2.63; RR for Black vs White ethnicity: 2.29, 95%CI 2.25-2.32; RR for United States vs Canada: 1.27, 95%CI 1.22-1.30).

CONCLUSION

Studies of prenatal risk factors and between-centre or between-country comparisons of perinatal mortality bias causal inferences when restricted to truncated cohorts of very preterm births.

Management of clinical chorioamnionitis: an evidence-based approach

This review aimed to examine the existing evidence about interventions proposed for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis, with the goal of developing an evidence-based contemporary approach for the management of this condition. Most trials that assessed the use of antibiotics in clinical chorioamnionitis included patients with a gestational age of ≥34 weeks and in labor. The first-line antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis is ampicillin combined with gentamicin, which should be initiated during the intrapartum period. In the event of a cesarean delivery, patients should receive clindamycin at the time of umbilical cord clamping. The administration of additional antibiotic therapy does not appear to be necessary after vaginal or cesarean delivery. However, if postdelivery antibiotics are prescribed, there is support for the administration of an additional dose. Patients can receive antipyretic agents, mainly acetaminophen, even though there is no clear evidence of their benefits. Current evidence suggests that the administration of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation and of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection to patients with clinical chorioamnionitis between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation, and possibly between 23 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation, has an overall beneficial effect on the infant. However, delivery should not be delayed to complete the full course of corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate. Once the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis has been established, delivery should be considered, regardless of the gestational age. Vaginal delivery is the safer option and cesarean delivery should be reserved for standard obstetrical indications. The time interval between the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis and delivery is not related to most adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients may require a higher dose of oxytocin to achieve adequate uterine activity or greater uterine activity to effect a given change in cervical dilation. The benefit of using continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring in these patients is unclear. We identified the following promising interventions for the management of clinical chorioamnionitis: (1) an antibiotic regimen including ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole that provides coverage against the most commonly identified microorganisms in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis; (2) vaginal cleansing with antiseptic solutions before cesarean delivery with the aim of decreasing the risk of endometritis and, possibly, postoperative wound infection; and (3) antenatal administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to assess these interventions in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis.

Antenatal corticosteroids and preterm offspring outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A Japanese cohort study

To estimate whether antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) improve short- and long-term preterm offspring outcomes in singleton pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) similar to pregnancies without HDP. This population-based retrospective study was conducted based on an analysis of data collected by the Neonatal Research Network of Japan on 21,014 singleton neonates weighing ≤1,500 g between 24 and 31 weeks’ gestation during 2003–2016. Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare short- and long-term offspring outcomes between mothers receiving ACS treatment and those who did not among pregnancies with HDP and without HDP. Of 21,014 neonates, 4,806 (22.9%) were born to mothers with HDP. ACS treatment was associated with significant decreases in short-term adverse outcomes in the both HDP and non-HDP groups, with similar reduced odds of neonatal death, respiratory distress syndrome, and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). However, ACS treatment did not significantly decrease severe IVH (aOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.51–1.13) and periventricular leukomalacia (1.14; 0.78–1.66) in the HDP group. In addition, ACS treatment in mothers without HDP significantly decreased cerebral palsy (aOR 0.70; 95% CI 0.58–084), developmental quotient scores <85 (0.79; 0.69–0.90), and composite adverse outcomes (0.85; 0.75–0.96) at 3 years of age, whereas ACS treatment in mothers with HDP did not significantly improve these outcomes (1.04; 0.69–1.57, 1.11; 0.88–1.39, 0.96; 0.75–1.22, respectively). ACS treatment was associated with significantly decreased major short-term morbidities and mortality among extremely and very preterm neonates of mothers with HDP, with ACS treatment having a decreased effect compared to that observed in neonates of mothers without HDP. Although ACS treatment has no additional effects on offspring outcomes at 3 years of age, our results did not suggest that ACS treatment should be withheld from mothers with HDP.

Histological chorioamnionitis, antenatal steroids, and neonatal outcomes in very low birth weight infants: A nationwide study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether some associations between histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) and favorable neonatal outcomes might be linked to those of antenatal steroids (AS) by determining the separate as well as the combined associations of HCA and AS with neonatal outcomes in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs).

Methods

This was a population-based study of VLBWIs born at 20–33 weeks’ gestation between January 2013 and December 2015 from the Korean Neonatal Network. A total of 4652 VLBWIs were enrolled for prevalence study. Of these, 2900 singleton VLBWIs were used for outcome analyses to evaluate individual associations of HCA and AS simultaneously with correction for potential perinatal factors and an interaction term of HCA and AS.

Results

The overall prevalence of HCA was 34.9% (1623 VLBWIs). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that HCA was associated with decreased mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–0.91; P = 0.022), AS were associated with reduction in mortality (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39–0.90; P = 0.014) and neonatal seizure (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37–0.86; P = 0.008), and a combination of HCA and AS was associated with remarkably lowered severe intraventricular hemorrhage by interacting with each other (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25–0.88; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

We suggest that in VLBWIs HCA and AS may be favorable independent factors for neonatal outcome and may also work in synergy for neuroprotection.

Neurodevelopmental disorders among term infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroids during pregnancy: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

An increasing proportion of fetuses are exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). Despite their immediate beneficial effects, the long-term safety of ACS has been an ongoing source of concern. In the current study, we assessed the likelihood of neurodevelopmental problems among term infants exposed to ACS earlier in pregnancy compared with non-exposed term infants.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (2006-2011). Median duration of follow-up was 7.8 (IQR 6.4-9.2) years.

SETTING

Population-based study, Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

All live singleton infants born at term (≥37^0/7 weeks gestation) (n=529 205).

EXPOSURE

ACS during pregnancy.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

A composite of diagnostic or billing codes reflecting proven or suspected neurodevelopmental problems during childhood including audiometry testing, visual testing or physician service claim with a diagnosis code related to a suspected neurocognitive disorder.

RESULTS

At 5 years of age, the cumulative rate for the primary outcome was higher among infants exposed to ACS compared with non-exposed infants: 61.7% (3346/5423) vs 57.8% (302 520/523 782), respectively (p<0.001; number needed to harm (NNH)=25, 95% CI 19 to 38; adjusted HR (aHR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.16). Similar findings were observed for each of the individual components of the primary outcome: 15.3% vs 12.7% for audiometry testing (p<0.001; NNH=39, 95% CI 29 to 63; aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.25); 45.4% vs 43.5% for visual testing (p=0.006; NNH=54, 95% CI 31 to 200; aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.12) and 25.8% vs 21.6% for suspected neurocognitive disorder (p<0.001; NNH=24, 95% CI 19 to 33; aHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association among term infants between exposure to ACS during pregnancy and healthcare utilisation during childhood related to suspected neurocognitive and neurosensory disorders.

The Associations between Antenatal Corticosteroids and In-Hospital Outcomes of Preterm Singleton Appropriate for Gestational Age Neonates according to the Presence of Maternal Histologic Chorioamnionitis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to assess the association between antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) and in-hospital outcomes of preterm singleton appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants according to the presence of maternal histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed with singleton AGA neonates of 23+0 to 33+6 weeks' gestation born between 2007 and 2014. We compared the clinical outcomes according to the presence of HCA and ACS use. We also divided the ACS group into 2 groups: infants who received ACS 2-7 days before birth (optimal ACS) or not (suboptimal ACS). Multivariate logistic regression with Firth's penalized likelihood was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 254 neonates were eligible with 109 neonates with HCA (42.9%). In multivariate analysis adjusting for GA, sex, and cesarean section, ACS use was associated with reduced severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death and hypotension within 7 postnatal days among the neonates with HCA. However, it was associated with increased patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment. In the optimal ACS group, severe BPD or death (aOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.42), hypotension (aOR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.26), and inhaled nitric oxide use (aOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.81) were lower, however, PDA treatment (aOR 8.14, 95% CI 1.20-55.24) and sepsis (aOR 6.85, 95% CI 1.02-46.07) were higher when compared with the no ACS group among HCA+ infants. Among HCA- infants, only PDA treatment was lower in the ACS group.

CONCLUSION

In neonates with HCA, ACS treatment was associated with reduced morbidities. However, increased sepsis was associated with optimal ACS use.

Chorioamnionitis in the Development of Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Chorioamnionitis (CA) has often been linked etiologically to cerebral palsy (CP).

OBJECTIVES

To differentiate association from risk of CA in the development of CP.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and bibliographies of original studies were searched by using the keywords (chorioamnionitis) AND ((cerebral palsy) OR brain).

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies had to have: (1) controls, (2) criteria for diagnoses, and (3) neurologic follow-up. Studies were categorized based on: (1) finding incidence of CP in a CA population, or risk of CP; and (2) incidence of CA in CP or association with CP.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently verified study inclusion and extracted data.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (125 256 CA patients and 5 994 722 controls) reported CP in CA. There was significantly increased CP inpreterm histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA; risk ratio [RR] = 1.34, P < .01), but not in clinical CA (CCA). Twenty-two studies (2513 CP patients and 8135 controls) reported CA in CP. There was increased CCA (RR = 1.43, P < .01), but no increase in HCA in preterm CP. Increased HCA was found (RR = 4.26, P < .05), as well as CCA in term/near-term CP (RR = 3.06, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for a causal or associative role of CA in CP is weak. Preterm HCA may be a risk factor for CP, whereas CCA is not. An association with term and preterm CP was found for CCA, but only with term CP for HCA.

[Does corticosteroid treatment during the pre and postnatal periods affect the neurodevelopmental outcome of premature newborns?]

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids, widely used in the perinatal period, may be associated with adverse neurodevelopmental effects.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze neurodevelopmental outcomes in a cohort of very low birth weight newborns treated with antenatal and/or postnatal corticosteroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study in which we included all very low birth weight babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital between 2008 and 2013. We compared the neurodevelopment among very low birth-weight newborns who did not receive prenatal corticosteroid therapy and those who received a complete course (two doses of 12 mg betamethasone) and an incomplete course (one dose), and between those who did not receive postnatal corticosteroid therapy and those who received it (systemic dexamethasone after the first week of life). Motor, neurosensory and cognitive functions, as well as behavior disorders during the first two years of age were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 225 very low birth weight newborns were analyzed; 83.6% received prenatal corticosteroid therapy (24% incomplete treatment schedule and 59.6% complete schedule). Only 13.3% received systemic dexamethasone during the postnatal period. Neurological monitoring was performed corticosteroid therapy and more neurological disorders, and no significant differences were found among those who received complete and incomplete courses of prenatal corticosteroid therapy.

CONCLUSION

These results did not demonstrate an association between perinatal corticosteroid therapy and worse neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight newborns.