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Gosavi A, Amin Z, Carter SWD, Choolani MA, Fee EL, Milad MA, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Antenatal corticosteroids in Singapore: a clinical and scientific assessment. Singapore Med J 2024; 65:479-487. [PMID: 36254928 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2022-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Preterm birth (PTB; delivery prior to 37 weeks' gestation) is the leading cause of early childhood death in Singapore today. Approximately 9% of Singaporean babies are born preterm; the PTB rate is likely to increase given the increased use of assisted reproduction technologies, changes in the incidence of gestational diabetes/high body mass index and the ageing maternal population. Antenatal administration of dexamethasone phosphate is a key component of the obstetric management of Singaporean women who are at risk of imminent preterm labour. Dexamethasone improves preterm outcomes by crossing the placenta to functionally mature the fetal lung. The dexamethasone regimen used in Singapore today affords a very high maternofetal drug exposure over a brief period of time. Drawing on clinical and experimental data, we reviewed the pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacodynamic effects of dexamethasone treatment regimen in Singapore, with a view to creating a development pipeline for optimising this critically important antenatal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhati Gosavi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zubair Amin
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sean William David Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mahesh Arjandas Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Erin Lesley Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Amir Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, Michigan, USA
| | - Alan Hall Jobe
- Perinatal Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew Warren Kemp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
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Carter SWD, Fee EL, Usuda H, Oguz G, Ramasamy A, Amin Z, Agnihotri B, Wei Q, Xiawen L, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Ikeda H, Kumagai Y, Saito Y, Saito M, Mattar C, Evans MI, Illanes SE, Jobe AH, Choolani M, Kemp MW. Antenatal steroids elicited neurodegenerative-associated transcriptional changes in the hippocampus of preterm fetal sheep independent of lung maturation. BMC Med 2024; 22:338. [PMID: 39183288 PMCID: PMC11346182 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03542-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal steroid therapy for fetal lung maturation is routinely administered to women at risk of preterm delivery. There is strong evidence to demonstrate benefit from antenatal steroids in terms of survival and respiratory disease, notably in infants delivered at or below 32 weeks' gestation. However, dosing remains unoptimized and lung benefits are highly variable. Current treatment regimens generate high-concentration, pulsatile fetal steroid exposures now associated with increased risk of childhood neurodevelopmental diseases. We hypothesized that damage-associated changes in the fetal hippocampal transcriptome would be independent of preterm lung function. METHODS Date-mated ewes carrying a single fetus at 122 ± 2dGA (term = 150dGA) were randomized into 4 groups: (i) Saline Control Group, 4×2ml maternal saline intramuscular(IM) injections at 12hr intervals (n = 11); or (ii) Dex High Group, 2×12mg maternal IM dexamethasone phosphate injections at 12hr intervals followed by 2×2ml IM saline injections at 12hr intervals (n = 12; representing a clinical regimen used in Singapore); or (iii) Dex Low Group, 4×1.5mg maternal IM dexamethasone phosphate injections 12hr intervals (n = 12); or (iv) Beta-Acetate Group, 1×0.125mg/kg maternal IM betamethasone acetate injection followed by 3×2ml IM sterile normal saline injections 12hr intervals (n = 8). Lambs were surgically delivered 48hr after first maternal injection at 122-125dGA, ventilated for 30min to establish lung function, and euthanised for necropsy and tissue collection. RESULTS Preterm lambs from the Dex Low and Beta-Acetate Groups had statistically and biologically significant lung function improvements (measured by gas exchange, lung compliance). Compared to the Saline Control Group, hippocampal transcriptomic data identified 879 differentially significant expressed genes (at least 1.5-fold change and FDR < 5%) in the steroid-treated groups. Pulsatile dexamethasone-only exposed groups (Dex High and Dex Low) had three common positively enriched differentially expressed pathways related in part to neurodegeneration ("Prion Disease", "Alzheimer's Disease", "Arachidonic Acid metabolism"). Adverse changes were independent of respiratory function during ventilation. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that exposure to antenatal steroid therapy is an independent cause of damage- associated transcriptomic changes in the brain of preterm, fetal sheep. These data highlight an urgent need for careful reconsideration and balancing of how antenatal steroids are used, both for patient selection and dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean W D Carter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Gokce Oguz
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore, 138632, Republic of Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome #02-01, Singapore, 138632, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zubair Amin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neonatology Khoo Teck Puat, National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Biswas Agnihotri
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neonatology Khoo Teck Puat, National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Liu Xiawen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ikeda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yusaku Kumagai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuya Saito
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Citra Mattar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Mark I Evans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Fetal Medicine Foundation of America, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sebastián E Illanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Reproductive Biology Program, Center for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- IMPACT, Center of Interventional Medicine for Precision and Advanced Cellular Therapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Centre for Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
- Women and Infants Research Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia
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Jobe AH, Goldenberg RL, Kemp MW. Antenatal corticosteroids: an updated assessment of anticipated benefits and potential risks. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:330-339. [PMID: 37734637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal steroid therapy is increasingly central to the obstetrical management of women at imminent risk of preterm birth. For women likely to deliver between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation, antenatal steroid therapy is the standard of care, conferring sizable benefits and few risks in high-resource environments when appropriately targeted. Recent studies have focused on antenatal steroid use in periviable and late preterm populations, and in term cesarean deliveries. As a result, antenatal steroid therapy has now been applied from 22 to 39+6 weeks of estimated gestational age. There is also an increased appreciation that the vast majority of randomized control data informing the use of antenatal steroids are derived from predominantly high-resource, White populations. Accordingly, a sizable amount of work has recently been undertaken to test how to safely use antenatal steroids in low- and middle-resource environments, wherein the often high rates of preterm birth make these low-cost, easily administered interventions an attractive proposition. It is likely underappreciated by the obstetrical and neonatal communities that the overall efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy is highly variable (including when preterm risk is accurately assessed), the treatment regimens used are largely arbitrary, dosing is suprapharmacologic for effect, and the benefit-risk balance is significantly and differentially modified by gestation. It is also very likely that the patients consenting to receive these treatments are similarly unaware of the complex balance of potential benefits and harms. Although a small number of follow-up studies present a generally benign picture of long-term antenatal steroid risk, several large, population-based retrospective studies have identified associations between antenatal steroid use, childhood mental disease, and newborn infections that warrant urgent attention. Of particular contemporary importance are emergent efforts to optimize antenatal steroid regimens on the basis of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the agents themselves, the need for better targeting of these potent drugs, and clear articulation of the potential benefits and harms of antenatal steroid use at differing stages of pregnancy and in different delivery contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H Jobe
- Section of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
| | - Robert L Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
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Carelli MCB, Peixoto-Filho FM, Velarde LGC, de Sá RAM, Monteiro V, Araujo Júnior E. Effects of antenatal corticosteroids on fetal hemodynamics: a longitudinal study. Radiol Bras 2024; 57:e20230129. [PMID: 38993967 PMCID: PMC11235072 DOI: 10.1590/0100-3984.2023.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the effect of antenatal corticosteroid administration on fetal hemodynamics using longitudinal analysis of Doppler waveforms in the umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study that included 30 fetuses at risk for preterm birth. Twenty-eight pregnant women were treated with betamethasone for fetal lung maturation. Doppler examinations of the UA and MCA were performed once before and three or eight times after corticosteroid administration. We used a Bayesian hierarchical linear model. Reference ranges were constructed, and associations between variables (gestational age and pre-eclampsia) were tested. Results The mean maternal age, gestational age at betamethasone administration, and gestational age at delivery were 32.6 ± 5.89 years, 30.2 ± 2.59 weeks, and 32.9 ± 3.42 weeks, respectively. On UA Doppler, there was a significant decrease in the pulsatility index (PI) after corticosteroid administration, with a mean of 0.1147 (credibility interval: 0.03687-0.191) in three observations and a median of 0.1437 (credibility interval: 0.02509-0.2627) in eight observations. However, there was no significant change in the Doppler MCA PI, regardless of gestational age and the presence or absence of pre-eclampsia. Conclusion Although antenatal corticosteroid administration induced a significant decrease in the Doppler UA PI, we observed no change in the cerebral vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Maia Peixoto-Filho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Fetal Medicine, Perinatal
Maternity, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Instituto Fernandes
Figueira (IFF/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Augusto Moreira de Sá
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Fetal Medicine, Perinatal
Maternity, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Viviane Monteiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Instituto Fernandes
Figueira (IFF/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina da
Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Discipline of Human Health, Universidade Municipal de São
Caetano do Sul (USCS), Campus Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Fee EL, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Carter SWD, Clarke MW, Milad MA, Usuda H, Ikeda H, Kumagai Y, Saito Y, Ireland DJ, Newnham JP, Saito M, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Respiratory benefit in preterm lambs is progressively lost when the concentration of fetal plasma betamethasone is titrated below two nanograms per milliliter. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L628-L637. [PMID: 37697929 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00139.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Antenatal steroid therapy is the standard of care for women at imminent risk of preterm delivery. Current dosing regimens use suprapharmacological doses to achieve extended fetal steroid exposures. We aimed to determine the lowest fetal plasma betamethasone concentration sufficient to achieve functional preterm lung maturation. Ewes with single fetuses underwent surgery to install a fetal jugular catheter. Adopting a stepwise design, ewes were randomized to either a saline-only group (negative control group; n = 9) or one of four betamethasone treatment groups. Each betamethasone group fetus received a fetal intravenous infusion to target a constant plasma betamethasone level of either 1) 2 ng/mL (2 ng/mL positive control group, n = 9); 2) 1 ng/mL, (1 ng/mL group, n = 10); 3) 0.5 ng/mL (0.5 ng/mL group, n = 10); or 4) 0.25 ng/mL (0.25 ng/mL group, n = 10). Fetuses were infused for 48 h, delivered, and ventilated. The positive control group, negative control group, and mid-point 0.5 ng/mL group animals were tested first. An interim analysis informed the final betamethasone group tested. Positive control group animals had large, statistically significant improvements in respiratory function. Based on an interim analysis, the 1.0 ng/mL group was studied in favor of the 0.25 ng/mL group. Treatment efficacy was progressively lost at plasma betamethasone concentrations lower than 2 ng/mL. We demonstrated that the acute respiratory benefit conveyed by antenatal steroid exposure in the fetal sheep is progressively lost when constant fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations are reduced below a targeted value of 2 ng/mL.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lung maturation benefits in preterm lambs were progressively lost when fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations fell below 2 ng/mL. The effective floor threshold for a robust, lung-maturing exposure likely lies between 1 and 2 ng betamethasone per milliliter of plasma. Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis signaling and immunocyte populations remained materially disrupted at subtherapeutic steroid concentrations. These data demonstrate the potential to improve antenatal steroid therapy using reduced dose regimens informed by glucocorticoid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sean W D Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael W Clarke
- Metabolomics Australia, Centre for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, Michigan, United States
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ikeda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yusaku Kumagai
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuya Saito
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Demelza J Ireland
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Takahashi T, Jobe AH, Fee EL, Newnham JP, Schmidt AF, Usuda H, Kemp MW. The complex challenge of antenatal steroid therapy nonresponsiveness. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:696-704. [PMID: 35932879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal steroid therapy is standard care for women at imminent risk of preterm delivery. When deliveries occur within 7 days of treatment, antenatal steroid therapy reduces the risk of neonatal death and improves preterm outcomes by exerting diverse developmental effects on the fetal organs, in particular the preterm lung and cardiovascular system. There is, however, sizable variability in antenatal steroid treatment efficacy, and an important percentage of fetuses exposed to antenatal steroid therapy do not respond sufficiently to derive benefit. Respiratory distress syndrome, for example, is a central metric of clinical trials to assess antenatal steroid outcomes. In the present analysis, we addressed the concept of antenatal steroid nonresponsiveness, and defined a failed or suboptimal response to antenatal steroids as death or a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome following treatment. For deliveries at 24 to 35 weeks' gestation, the number needed to treat to prevent 1 case of respiratory distress syndrome was 19 (95% confidence interval, 14-28). Reflecting gestation-dependent risk, for deliveries at >34 weeks' gestation the number needed to treat was 55 (95% confidence interval, 30-304), whereas for elective surgical deliveries at term this number was 106 (95% confidence interval, 61-421). We reviewed data from clinical and animal studies investigating antenatal steroid therapy to highlight the significant incidence of antenatal steroid therapy nonresponsiveness (ie, residual mortality or respiratory distress syndrome after treatment), and the potential mechanisms underpinning this outcome variability. The origins of this variability may be related to both the manner in which the therapy is applied (ie, the treatment regimen itself) and factors specific to the individual (ie, genetic variation, stress, infection). The primary aims of this review were: (1) to emphasize to the obstetrical and neonatal communities the extent of antenatal steroid response variability and its potential impact; (2) to propose approaches by which antenatal steroid therapy may be better applied to improve overall benefit; and (3) to stimulate further research toward the empirical optimization of this important antenatal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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7
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Fee EL, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Carter S, Furfaro L, Clarke MW, Milad MA, Usuda H, Newnham JP, Saito M, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. 1% of the clinical dose used for antenatal steroid therapy is sufficient to induce lung maturation when administered directly to the preterm ovine fetus. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L853-L865. [PMID: 35438005 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00058.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antenatal steroids (ANS) are standard of care for women at imminent risk of preterm delivery. ANS accelerate functional maturation of the preterm fetal lung. Current dosing regimens expose the mother and fetus to high steroid levels with increased risk of adverse outcomes. Using a sheep model of pregnancy, we aimed to demonstrate that direct fetal administration would be sufficient to elicit functional maturation of the fetal lung. STUDY DESIGN Ewes and fetuses at 122d gestation underwent recovery surgery to install a fetal jugular catheter. Animals were then immediately randomised to either: i) fetal intravenous betamethasone phosphate infusion of 2ng/ml for 26 hours (fetal low-dose group; n=16); ii) fetal intravenous saline infusion for 26 hours and two maternal intramuscular injections of 0.25mg/kg betamethasone-phosphate + betamethasone-acetate (maternal clinical treatment group; n=12); or iii) fetal intravenous saline infusion for 26 hours (negative control group; n=10). Fetuses were delivered 48 hours after surgery, ventilated for 30 min to allow collection of physiological data, and euthanised. RESULTS The average betamethasone dose for the fetal low-dose group was 1% (0.3mg) of that used in the maternal clinical treatment group (30mg). At 30 minutes of ventilation, arterial paCO2, pH, heart rate and VEI were significantly (p<0.05) and equivalently improved in both the fetal low-dose and maternal clinical treatment group relative to negative control. CONCLUSION Maternal steroid administration was not required to elicit fetal lung maturation. Targeted fetal ANS treatments may allow the use of materially reduced antenatal steroid exposures, significantly reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael W Clarke
- Metabolomics Australia, Center for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, MI, United States
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alan Hall Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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8
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Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Fee EL, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Usuda H, Bridges JP, Milad MA, Furfaro L, Carter S, Schmidt AF, Newnham JP, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Continuous but not pulsed low-dose fetal betamethasone exposures extend the durability of antenatal steroid therapy. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L784-L793. [PMID: 35380907 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00018.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal steroid (ANS) therapy is standard care for women at imminent risk of preterm labor. Despite extensive and long-standing use, 40-50% of babies exposed antenatally to steroids do not derive benefit; remaining undelivered 7d or more after ANS treatment is associated with a lack of treatment benefit, and increased risk of harms. We used a pregnant sheep model to evaluate the impact of continuous vs. pulsed ANS treatments on fetal lung maturation at an extended, eight-day treatment to delivery interval. Continuous low-dose ANS treatments for more than 72 hours in duration improved fetal lung maturation at eight days after treatment initiation. If fetal ANS exposure was interrupted, the beneficial ANS effect was lost. Truncated treatments, including that simulating the current clinical treatment regimen, did not improve lung function. Variable fetal lung maturation was correlated to the amount of saturated phosphatidylcholine present in the lung fluid. These data demonstrate that: i) the durability of ANS therapy may be enhanced by employing an extended, low-dose treatment regimen with reducing total dose; and ii) interrupting the continuity of fetal exposure by allowing it to fall below a minimal threshold was associated with comparably poor functional maturation of the preterm ovine lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - James P Bridges
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, MI, United States
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Augusto F Schmidt
- Department of Neonatology, Pulmonary Biology and Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Hall Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Neonatology, Pulmonary Biology and Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Asztalos EV, Murphy KE, Matthews SG. A Growing Dilemma: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Long-Term Consequences. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:592-600. [PMID: 33053595 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A single course of synthetic antenatal corticosteroids is standard care for women considered to be at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. While the intended target is the fetal lung, the fetal brain contains remarkably high levels of glucocorticoid receptors in structures critical in the regulation of behavior and endocrine function. Negative programming signals may occur which can lead to permanent maladaptive changes and predispose the infant/child to an increased risk in physical, mental, and developmental disorders. METHODS Framed around these areas of concerns for physical, mental, and developmental disorders, this narrative review drew on studies (animal and clinical), evaluating the long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroids to present the case that a more targeted approach to the use of antenatal corticosteroids for the betterment of the fetus urgently needed. RESULTS Studies raised concerns about the potential negative long-term consequences, especially for the exposed fetus who was born beyond the period of the greatest benefit from antenatal corticosteroids. The long-term consequences are more subtle in nature and usually manifest later in life, often beyond the scope of most clinical trials. CONCLUSION Continued research is needed to identify sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids should be exercised while additional work is undertaken to optimize dosing strategies and better identify women at risk of preterm birth prior to administration of antenatal corticosteroids. KEY POINTS · A single-course ACS is a remarkable therapy with substantial benefits.. · There is a potential of long-term neurodevelopmental consequences in the ACS-exposed fetus.. · There is a need to improve dosing strategies and identification of appropriate at risk women..
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Health Systems, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Takahashi T, Fee EL, Takahashi Y, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Usuda H, Furfaro L, Carter S, Schmidt AF, Newnham JP, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Betamethasone phosphate reduces the efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy and is associated with lower birthweights when administered to pregnant sheep in combination with betamethasone acetate. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:564.e1-564.e14. [PMID: 34626553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is a standard of care for women at imminent risk of preterm labor. However, the optimal (maximum benefit and minimal risk of side effects) antenatal corticosteroid dosing strategy remains unclear. Although conveying overall benefit when given to the right patient at the right time, antenatal corticosteroid treatment efficacy is highly variable and is not risk-free. Building on earlier findings, we hypothesized that when administered in combination with slow-release betamethasone acetate, betamethasone phosphate and the high maternal-fetal betamethasone concentrations it generates are redundant for fetal lung maturation. OBJECTIVE Using an established sheep model of prematurity and postnatal ventilation of the preterm lamb, we aimed to compare the pharmacodynamic effects of low-dosage treatment with betamethasone acetate only against a standard dosage of betamethasone phosphate and betamethasone acetate as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for women at risk of imminent preterm delivery between 24 0/7 and 35 6/7 weeks' gestation. STUDY DESIGN Ewes carrying a single fetus at 122±1 days' gestation (term=150 days) were randomized to receive either (1) maternal intramuscular injections of sterile saline (the saline negative control group, n=12), (2) 2 maternal intramuscular injections of 0.25 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate administered at 24-hour dosing intervals (the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group, n=12); or (3) 2 maternal intramuscular injections of 0.125 mg/kg betamethasone acetate administered at 24-hour dosing intervals (the betamethasone acetate group, n=11). The fetuses were surgically delivered 48 hours after treatment initiation and ventilated for 30 minutes to determine functional lung maturation. The fetuses were euthanized after ventilation, and the lungs were collected for analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Fetal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were measured in the cord blood samples taken at delivery. RESULTS Preterm lambs were defined as either antenatal corticosteroid treatment responders or nonresponders using an arbitrary cutoff, being a PaCO2 level at 30 minutes of ventilation being more extreme than 2 standard deviations from the mean value of the normally distributed saline control group values. Compared with the animals in the saline control group, the animals in the antenatal corticosteroid treatment groups showed significantly improved lung physiological responses (blood gas and ventilation data) and had a biochemical signature (messenger RNA and surfactant protein assays) consistent with functional maturation. However, the betamethasone acetate group had a significantly higher treatment response rate than the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group. These physiological results were strongly correlated to the amount of surfactant protein A. Birthweight was lower in the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group and the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was suppressed to a greater extent in the betamethasone phosphate+betamethasone acetate group. CONCLUSION Low-dosage antenatal corticosteroid therapy solely employing betamethasone acetate was sufficient for fetal lung maturation. The elevated maternal-fetal betamethasone concentrations associated with the coadministration of betamethasone phosphate did not in addition improve lung maturation but were associated with greater fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, a lower antenatal corticosteroid treatment response rate, and lower birthweight-outcomes not desirable in a clinical setting. These data warranted a clinical investigation of sustained low-dosage antenatal corticosteroid treatments that avoid high maternal-fetal betamethasone exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Augusto F Schmidt
- Perinatal Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Perinatal Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Jobe AH, Kemp M, Schmidt A, Takahashi T, Newnham J, Milad M. Antenatal corticosteroids: a reappraisal of the drug formulation and dose. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:318-325. [PMID: 33177675 PMCID: PMC7892336 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We review the history of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACS) and present recent experimental data to demonstrate that this, one of the pillars of perinatal care, has been inadequately evaluated to minimize fetal exposure to these powerful medications. There have been concerns since 1972 that fetal exposures to ACS convey risk. However, this developmental modulator, with its multiple widespread biologic effects, has not been evaluated for drug choice, dose, or duration of treatment, despite over 30 randomized trials. The treatment used in the United States is two intramuscular doses of a mixture of 6 mg betamethasone phosphate (Beta P) and 6 mg betamethasone acetate (Beta Ac). To optimize outcomes with ACS, the goal should be to minimize fetal drug exposure. We have determined that the minimum exposure needed for fetal lung maturation in sheep, monkeys, and humans (based on published cord blood corticosteroid concentrations) is about 1 ng/ml for a 48-h continuous exposure, far lower than the concentration reached by the current dosing. Because the slowly released Beta Ac results in prolonged fetal exposure, a drug containing Beta Ac is not ideal for ACS use. IMPACT: Using sheep and monkey models, we have defined the minimum corticosteroid exposure for a fetal lung maturation. These results should generate new clinical trials of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) at much lower fetal exposures to ACS, possibly given orally, with fewer risks for the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H. Jobe
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Perinatal Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Matthew Kemp
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia ,grid.412757.20000 0004 0641 778XCentre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan ,grid.1025.60000 0004 0436 6763School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Augusto Schmidt
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia ,grid.412757.20000 0004 0641 778XCentre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - John Newnham
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Mark Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting, Plymouth, MI USA
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12
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Glucocorticoids, sodium transport mediators, and respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1253-1260. [PMID: 32663837 PMCID: PMC7372212 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-1061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal glucocorticoids (GCs) reduce respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants and are associated with reduced lung liquid content. Our aim was to assess whether airway gene expression of mediators of pulmonary epithelial sodium and liquid absorption, and further, respiratory morbidity, associate with cord blood GC concentrations. METHODS The study included 64 infants delivered <32 weeks gestation. Cortisol and betamethasone in umbilical cord blood were quantified with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The total GC concentration was calculated. Gene expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), Na,K-ATPase, and serum- and GC-inducible kinase 1 at <2 h and at 1 day postnatally in nasal epithelial cell samples was quantified with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The mean oxygen supplementation during the first 72 h was calculated. RESULTS Concentrations of cord blood betamethasone and total GC were significantly lower in infants with RDS and correlated with mean oxygen supplementation. Expression of αENaC and α1- and β1Na,K-ATPase at <2 h correlated with betamethasone and total GC concentrations. Expression of Na,K-ATPase was lower in infants with RDS. CONCLUSION Enhancement of lung liquid absorption via increased expression of sodium transporters may contribute to the beneficial pulmonary effects of antenatal GCs. IMPACT RDS is related to lower umbilical cord blood GC concentrations and lower airway expression of sodium transporters. In addition to the timing of antenatal GC treatment, resulting concentrations may be of importance in preventing RDS. Induction of sodium transport may be a factor contributing to the pulmonary response to antenatal GCs.
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13
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Variability in the efficacy of a standardized antenatal steroid treatment was independent of maternal or fetal plasma drug levels: evidence from a sheep model of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:921.e1-921.e10. [PMID: 32445634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of antenatal steroids is standard of care for women assessed to be at imminent risk of preterm delivery. There is a marked variation in antenatal steroid dosing strategy, selection for treatment criteria, and agent choice worldwide. This, combined with very limited optimization of antenatal steroid use per se, means that treatment efficacy is highly variable, and the rate of respiratory distress syndrome is decreased to perhaps as low as 40%. In some cases, antenatal steroid use is associated with limited benefit and potential harm. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that individual differences in maternofetal steroid exposure would contribute to observed variability in antenatal steroid treatment efficacy. Using a chronically catheterized sheep model of pregnancy, we aimed to explore the relationship between maternofetal steroid exposure and antenatal steroid treatment efficacy as determined by functional lung maturation in preterm lambs undergoing ventilation. STUDY DESIGN Ewes carrying a single fetus underwent surgery to catheterize a fetal and maternal jugular vein at 119 days' gestation. Animals recovered for 24 hours before being randomized to either (1) a single maternal intramuscular injection of 2 mL saline (negative control group, n=10) or (2) a single maternal intramuscular injection of 0.25 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate plus acetate (antenatal steroid group, n=20). Serial maternal and fetal plasma samples were collected from each animal after 48 hours before fetuses were delivered and ventilated for 30 minutes. Total and free plasma betamethasone concentration was measured by mass spectrometry. Fetal lung tissue was collected for analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS One animal from the control group and one animal from the antenatal steroid group did not complete their treatment protocol and were removed from analyses. Animals in the antenatal steroid group were divided into a responder subgroup (n=12/19) and a nonresponder subgroup (n=7/19) using a cutoff of partial pressure of arterial CO2 at 30-minute ventilation within 2 standard deviations of the mean value from saline-treated negative control group animals. Although antenatal steroid improved fetal lung maturation in the undivided antenatal steroid group and in the responder subgroup both physiologically (blood gas- and ventilation-related data) and biochemically (messenger ribonucleic acid expression related to fetal lung maturation), these values did not improve relative to saline-treated control group animals in the antenatal steroid nonresponder subgroup. No differences in betamethasone distribution, clearance, or protein binding were identified between the antenatal steroid responder and nonresponder subgroups. CONCLUSION This study correlated individual maternofetal steroid exposures with preterm lung maturation as determined by pulmonary ventilation. Herein, approximately 40% of preterm lambs exposed to antenatal steroids had lung maturation that was not significantly different to saline-treated control group animals. These nonresponsive animals received maternal and fetal betamethasone exposures identical to animals that had a significant improvement in functional lung maturation. These data suggest that the efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy is not solely determined by maternofetal drug levels and that individual fetal or maternal factors may play a role in determining treatment outcomes in response to glucocorticoid signaling.
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14
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Hrabalkova L, Takahashi T, Kemp MW, Stock SJ. Antenatal Corticosteroids for Fetal Lung Maturity - Too Much of a Good Thing? Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:593-600. [PMID: 30914016 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190326143814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 5-15% of babies are born prematurely worldwide, with preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy (term is at 40 weeks of gestation). Women at risk of preterm birth receive antenatal corticosteroids as part of standard care to accelerate fetal lung maturation and thus improve neonatal outcomes in the event of delivery. As a consequence of this treatment, the entire fetal organ system is exposed to the administered corticosteroids. The implications of this exposure, particularly the long-term impacts on offspring health, are poorly understood. AIMS This review will consider the origins of antenatal corticosteroid treatment and variations in current clinical practices surrounding the treatment. The limitations in the evidence base supporting the use of antenatal corticosteroids and the evidence of potential harm to offspring are also summarised. RESULTS Little has been done to optimise the dose and formulation of antenatal corticosteroid treatment since the first clinical trial in 1972. International guidelines for the use of the treatment lack clarity regarding the recommended type of corticosteroid and the gestational window of treatment administration. Furthermore, clinical trials cited in the most recent Cochrane Review have limitations which should be taken into account when considering the use of antenatal corticosteroids in clinical practice. Lastly, there is limited evidence regarding the long-term effects on the different fetal organ systems exposed in utero, particularly when the timing of corticosteroid administration is sub-optimal. CONCLUSION Further investigations are urgently needed to determine the most safe and effective treatment regimen for antenatal corticosteroids, particularly regarding the type of corticosteroid and optimal gestational window of administration. A clear consensus on the use of this common treatment could maximise the benefits and minimise potential harms to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hrabalkova
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew W Kemp
- Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Sarah J Stock
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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15
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Kemp MW, Saito M, Schmidt AF, Usuda H, Watanabe S, Sato S, Hanita T, Kumagai Y, Takahashi T, Musk GC, Furfaro L, Stinson L, Fee EL, Eddershaw PJ, Payne MS, Smallwood K, Bridges J, Newnham JP, Jobe AH. The duration of fetal antenatal steroid exposure determines the durability of preterm ovine lung maturation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 222:183.e1-183.e9. [PMID: 31494126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are the standard of care for maturing the fetal lung and improving outcomes for preterm infants. Antenatal corticosteroid dosing remains nonoptimized, and there is little understanding of how different treatment-to-delivery intervals may affect treatment efficacy. The durability of a lung maturational response is important because the majority of women treated with antenatal corticosteroids do not deliver within the widely accepted 1- to 7-day window of treatment efficacy. OBJECTIVE We used a sheep model to test the duration of fetal exposures for efficacy at delivery intervals from 1 to 10 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS For infusion studies, ewes with single fetuses were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus and maintenance infusion of betamethasone phosphate to target 1-4 ng/mL fetal plasma betamethasone for 36 hours, with delivery at 2, 4 ,or 7 days posttreatment or sterile saline solution as control. Animals receiving the clinical treatment were randomised to receive either a single injection of 0.25 mg/kg with a 1:1 mixture of betamethasone phosphate + betamethasone acetate with delivery at either 1 or 7 days posttreatment, or 2 treatments of 0.25 mg/kg betamethasone phosphate + betamethasone acetate spaced at 24 hours (giving ∼48 hours of fetal steroid exposure) with delivery at 2, 5, 7, or 10 days posttreatment. Negative control animals were treated with saline solution. All lambs were delivered at 121 ± 3 days gestational age and ventilated for 30 minutes to assess lung function. RESULTS Preterm lambs delivered at 1 or 2 days post-antenatal corticosteroid treatment had significant improvements in lung maturation for both intravenous and single-dose intramuscular treatments. After 2 days, the efficacy of 36-hour betamethasone phosphate infusions was lost. The single dose of 1:1 betamethasone phosphate + betamethasone acetate also was ineffective at 7 days. In contrast, animals treated with 2 doses had significant improvements in lung maturation at 2, 5, and 7 days, with treatment efficacy reduced by 10 days. CONCLUSION In preterm lambs, the durability of antenatal corticosteroids treatment depends on the duration of fetal exposure and is independent of the intravenous or intramuscular maternal route of administration. For acute 24- to 48-hour posttreatment deliveries, a 24-hour fetal antenatal corticosteroids exposure was sufficient for lung maturation. A fetal exposure duration of at least 48 hours was necessary to maintain long-term treatment durability. A single-dose ACS treatment should be sufficient for women delivering within <48 hours of antenatal corticosteroids treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shimpei Watanabe
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takushi Hanita
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yusaku Kumagai
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Gabrielle C Musk
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lisa Stinson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Matthew S Payne
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kiara Smallwood
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James Bridges
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH
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16
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Skoll A, Boutin A, Bujold E, Burrows J, Crane J, Geary M, Jain V, Lacaze-Masmonteil T, Liauw J, Mundle W, Murphy K, Wong S, Joseph KS. No. 364-Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Improving Neonatal Outcomes. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2019; 40:1219-1239. [PMID: 30268316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the benefits and risks of antenatal corticosteroid therapy for women at risk of preterm birth or undergoing pre-labour Caesarean section at term and to make recommendations for improving neonatal and long-term outcomes. OPTIONS To administer or withhold antenatal corticosteroid therapy for women at high risk of preterm birth or women undergoing pre-labour Caesarean section at term. OUTCOMES Perinatal morbidity, including respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infection, hypoglycemia, somatic and brain growth, and neurodevelopment; perinatal mortality; and maternal morbidity, including infection and adrenal suppression. INTENDED USERS Maternity care providers including midwives, family physicians, and obstetricians. TARGET POPULATION Pregnant women. EVIDENCE Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 2017. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and key words related to pregnancy, prematurity, corticosteroids, and perinatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity were used. Statements from professional organizations including that of the National Institutes of Health, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Canadian Pediatric Society were reviewed for additional references. Randomized controlled trials conducted in pregnant women evaluating antenatal corticosteroid therapy and previous systematic reviews on the topic were eligible. Evidence from systematic reviews of non-experimental (cohort) studies was also eligible. VALIDATION METHODS This Committee Opinion has been reviewed and approved by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Committee of the SOGC and approved by SOGC Council. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND/OR COSTS A course of antenatal corticosteroid therapy administered within 7 days of delivery significantly reduces perinatal morbidity/mortality associated with preterm birth between 24 + 0 and 34 + 6 weeks gestation. When antenatal corticosteroid therapy is given more than 7 days prior to delivery or after 34 + 6 weeks gestation, the adverse effects may outweigh the benefits. Evidence on long-term effects is scarce, and potential neurodevelopment harms are unquantified in cases of late preterm, term, and repeated exposure to antenatal corticosteroid therapy. GUIDELINE UPDATE Evidence will be reviewed 5 years after publication to evaluate the need for a complete or partial update of the guideline. If important evidence is published prior to the 5-year time point, an update will be issued to reflect new knowledge and recommendations. SPONSORS The guideline was developed with resources provided by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada with support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (APR-126338). SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS: Gestational Age Considerations Agents, Dosage, Regimen, and Target Timing Subpopulations and Special Consideration.
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Schmidt AF, Kemp MW, Milad M, Miller LA, Bridges JP, Clarke MW, Kannan PS, Jobe AH. Oral dosing for antenatal corticosteroids in the Rhesus macaque. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222817. [PMID: 31536601 PMCID: PMC6752828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are standard of care for women at risk of preterm delivery, although choice of drug, dose or route have not been systematically evaluated. Further, ACS are infrequently used in low resource environments where most of the mortality from prematurity occurs. We report proof of principle experiments to test betamethasone-phosphate (Beta-P) or dexamethasone-phosphate (Dex-P) given orally in comparison to the clinical treatment with the intramuscular combination drug beta-phosphate plus beta-acetate in a Rhesus Macaque model. First, we performed pharmacokinetic studies in non-pregnant monkeys to compare blood levels of the steroids using oral dosing with Beta-P, Dex-P and an effective maternal intramuscular dose of the beta-acetate component of the clinical treatment. We then evaluated maternal and fetal blood steroid levels with limited fetal sampling under ultrasound guidance in pregnant macaques. We found that oral Beta is more slowly cleared from plasma than oral Dex. The blood levels of both drugs were lower in maternal plasma of pregnant than in non-pregnant macaques. Using the pharmacokinetic data, we treated groups of 6–8 pregnant monkeys with oral Beta-P, oral Dex-P, or the maternal intramuscular clinical treatment and saline controls and measured pressure-volume curves to assess corticosteroid effects on lung maturation at 5d. Oral Beta-P improved the pressure-volume curves similarly to the clinical treatment. Oral Dex-P gave more variable and nonsignificant responses. We then compared gene expression in the fetal lung, liver and hippocampus between oral Beta-P and the clinical treatment by RNA-sequencing. The transcriptomes were largely similar with small gene expression differences in the lung and liver, and no differences in the hippocampus between the groups. As proof of principle, ACS therapy can be effective using inexpensive and widely available oral drugs. Clinical dosing strategies must carefully consider the pharmacokinetics of oral Beta-P or Dex-P to minimize fetal exposure while achieving the desired treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto F. Schmidt
- Department of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Mark Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical consulting LLC, Plymouth, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - James P. Bridges
- Department of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Clarke
- Metabolomics Australia, Centre for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Paranthaman S. Kannan
- Department of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alan H. Jobe
- Department of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are sporadically used in low and middle income countries (LMIC), although their use is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as essential for decreasing infant mortality. Presently the WHO recommends the use of ACS only when gestational age is known, delivery is imminent, and the delivery will be in a facility that can provide care for the mother and the infant. We review uncertainties about ACS in high income countries that are underappreciated for anticipating their effectiveness in LMIC. We discuss the implications of a large RCT that evaluated the use of ACS in LMIC and found no benefit for presumed preterm infants and increased mortality in larger infants. The treatment schedules for ACS have not been optimized and more is now known about how to improve treatment strategies to hopefully decrease risks such as neonatal hypoglycemia in LMIC. The benefits from ACS may depend on the patient populations and health care environment in which the therapy is used. Further trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ACS in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H Jobe
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7029, Cincinnati, OH 45248, USA; University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; Murdock University, Perth, Australia
| | - Beena Kamath-Rayne
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7029, Cincinnati, OH 45248, USA
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Dosing and formulation of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation and gene expression in rhesus macaques. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9039. [PMID: 31227752 PMCID: PMC6588577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids (ANS) are the major intervention to decrease respiratory distress syndrome and mortality from premature birth and are standard of care. The use of ANS is expanding to include new indications and gestational ages, although the recommended dosing was never optimized. The most widely used treatment is two intramuscular doses of a 1:1 mixture of betamethasone-phosphate (Beta-P) and betamethasone-acetate (Beta-Ac) - the clinical drug. We tested in a primate model the efficacy of the slow release Beta-Ac alone for enhancing fetal lung maturation and to reduce fetal corticosteroid exposure and potential toxic effects. Pregnant rhesus macaques at 127 days of gestation (80% of term) were treated with either the clinical drug (0.25 mg/kg) or Beta-Ac (0.125 mg/kg). Beta-Ac alone increased lung compliance and surfactant concentration in the fetal lung equivalently to the clinical drug. By transcriptome analyses the early suppression of genes associated with immune responses and developmental pathways were less affected by Beta-Ac than the clinical drug. Promoter and regulatory analysis prediction identified differentially expressed genes targeted by the glucocorticoid receptor in the lung. At 5 days the clinical drug suppressed genes associated with neuronal development and differentiation in the fetal hippocampus compared to control, while low dose Beta-Ac alone did not. A low dose ANS treatment with Beta-Ac should be assessed for efficacy in human trials.
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Abstract
Treatment with antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) is standard of care for women at risk of preterm birth between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation. ACS are increasingly used for other indications, including threated or indicated late preterm birth, elective cesarean, and in at-risk pregnancies for periviable gestations. However, the various drugs and doses being used worldwide have not been rigorously evaluated to optimize clinical responses and to minimize potential risks. Translational research in animal models indicate that a constant, low concentration fetal exposure to ACS is sufficient for lung maturation, resulting in lower fetal exposures. Clinical trials to develop dosing strategies with inexpensive and widely available drugs could promote greater use in low resource environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Augusto F Schmidt
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue
- MLC 7029, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue
- MLC 7029, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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Ke AB, Milad MA. Evaluation of Maternal Drug Exposure Following the Administration of Antenatal Corticosteroids During Late Pregnancy Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2019; 106:164-173. [PMID: 30924921 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Betamethasone and dexamethasone are the most widely studied antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administered to pregnant women, just prior to the birth of a preterm neonate, to accelerate fetal lung maturation. Although betamethasone, predominantly used in developed countries, has been shown to be an effective and safe intervention for reducing neonatal mortality, the choice of ACS and optimal dosing in low and middle income countries (LMICs) remains unclear. This is primarily because the exposure-response relationships have not been established for ACS despite the long history of use. As the first step toward the optimal use of ACS in LMICs, we developed physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to describe the kinetics of ACS following i.v., p.o., or i.m. dosing. In vitro data describing the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme contribution were incorporated and this was refined using clinical data. The models can be applied prospectively to predict kinetics of ACS in pregnant women receiving various dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark A Milad
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, Michigan, USA
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22
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Schmidt AF, Jobe AH, Kannan PS, Bridges JP, Newnham JP, Saito M, Usuda H, Kumagai Y, Fee EL, Clarke M, Kemp MW. Oral antenatal corticosteroids evaluated in fetal sheep. Pediatr Res 2019; 86:589-594. [PMID: 31365919 PMCID: PMC6848022 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0519-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) in low-resource environments is sporadic. Further, drug choice, dose, and route of ACS are not optimized. We report the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral dosing of ACS using a preterm sheep model. METHODS We measured pharmacokinetics of oral betamethasone-phosphate (Beta-P) and dexamethasone-phosphate (Dex-P) using catheterized pregnant sheep. We compared fetal lung maturation responses of oral Beta-P and Dex-P to the standard treatment with 2 doses of the i.m. mixture of Beta-P and betamethasone-acetate at 2, 5, and 7 days after initiation of ACS. RESULTS Oral Dex-P had lower bioavailability than Beta-P, giving a lower maximum maternal and fetal concentration. A single oral dose of 0.33 mg/kg of Beta-P was equivalent to the standard clinical treatment assessed at 2 days; 2 doses of 0.16 mg/kg of oral Beta-P were equivalent to the standard clinical treatment at 7 days as assessed by lung mechanics and gas exchange after preterm delivery and ventilation. In contrast, oral Dex-P was ineffective because of its decreased bioavailability. CONCLUSION Using a sheep model, we demonstrate the use of pharmacokinetics to develop oral dosing strategies for ACS. Oral dosing is feasible and may facilitate access to ACS in low-resource environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto F. Schmidt
- 0000 0001 2179 9593grid.24827.3bDivision of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA ,0000 0004 1936 8606grid.26790.3aPresent Address: Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Alan H. Jobe
- 0000 0001 2179 9593grid.24827.3bDivision of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Paranthaman S. Kannan
- 0000 0001 2179 9593grid.24827.3bDivision of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - James P. Bridges
- 0000 0001 2179 9593grid.24827.3bDivision of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - John P. Newnham
- 0000 0004 1936 7910grid.1012.2Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- 0000 0004 1936 7910grid.1012.2Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia ,0000 0004 0641 778Xgrid.412757.2Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574 Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- 0000 0004 1936 7910grid.1012.2Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia ,0000 0004 0641 778Xgrid.412757.2Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574 Japan
| | - Yusaku Kumagai
- 0000 0004 0641 778Xgrid.412757.2Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574 Japan
| | - Erin L. Fee
- 0000 0004 1936 7910grid.1012.2Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Michael Clarke
- 0000 0004 1936 7910grid.1012.2Metabolomics Australia, Centre for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Matthew W. Kemp
- 0000 0004 1936 7910grid.1012.2Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia ,0000 0004 0641 778Xgrid.412757.2Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574 Japan ,0000 0004 0436 6763grid.1025.6School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA Australia
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Morrison JL, Berry MJ, Botting KJ, Darby JRT, Frasch MG, Gatford KL, Giussani DA, Gray CL, Harding R, Herrera EA, Kemp MW, Lock MC, McMillen IC, Moss TJ, Musk GC, Oliver MH, Regnault TRH, Roberts CT, Soo JY, Tellam RL. Improving pregnancy outcomes in humans through studies in sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R1123-R1153. [PMID: 30325659 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00391.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies that are relevant to human pregnancy rely on the selection of appropriate animal models as an important element in experimental design. Consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of any animal model of human disease is fundamental to effective and meaningful translation of preclinical research. Studies in sheep have made significant contributions to our understanding of the normal and abnormal development of the fetus. As a model of human pregnancy, studies in sheep have enabled scientists and clinicians to answer questions about the etiology and treatment of poor maternal, placental, and fetal health and to provide an evidence base for translation of interventions to the clinic. The aim of this review is to highlight the advances in perinatal human medicine that have been achieved following translation of research using the pregnant sheep and fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mary J Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Clint L Gray
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Richard Harding
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria , Australia
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Pathophysiology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Mitchell C Lock
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - I Caroline McMillen
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy J Moss
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria , Australia
| | - Gabrielle C Musk
- Animal Care Services, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Mark H Oliver
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, and Children's Health Research Institute , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Jia Yin Soo
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ross L Tellam
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Kemp MW, Jobe AH, Usuda H, Nathanielsz PW, Li C, Kuo A, Huber HF, Clarke GD, Saito M, Newnham JP, Stock SJ. Efficacy and safety of antenatal steroids. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R825-R839. [PMID: 29641233 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00193.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal steroids (ANS) are among the most important and widely utilized interventions to improve outcomes for preterm infants. A significant body of evidence demonstrates improved outcomes in preterm infants (24-34 wk) delivered between 1 and 7 days after the administration of a single course of ANS. Moreover, ANS have the advantage of being widely available, low cost, and easily administered via maternal intramuscular injection. The use of ANS to mature the fetal lung is, however, not without contention. Their use in pregnancy is not FDA approved, and treatment doses and regimens remain largely unoptimized. Their mode of use varies considerably between countries, and there are lingering concerns regarding the safety of exposing the fetus to high doses of exogenous steroids. A significant proportion of women deliver outside the 1- to 7-day therapeutic window after ANS treatment, and this delay may be associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and baby. Today, animal-based studies are one means by which key questions of dosing and safety relating to ANS may be resolved, allowing for further refinement(s) of this important therapy. Complementary approaches using nonhuman primates, sheep, and rodents have provided invaluable advances to our understanding of how exogenous steroid exposure impacts fetal development. Focusing on these three major model groups, this review highlights the role of three key animal models (sheep, nonhuman primates, rodents) in the development of antenatal steroid therapy, and provides an up-to-date synthesis of current efforts to refine this therapy in an era of personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
- Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi , Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
- Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi , Japan
| | | | - Cun Li
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming , Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Anderson Kuo
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio , San Antonio, Texas
| | - Hillary F Huber
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming , Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Geoffrey D Clarke
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio , San Antonio, Texas
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
- Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi , Japan
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - Sarah J Stock
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Skoll A, Boutin A, Bujold E, Burrows J, Crane J, Geary M, Jain V, Lacaze-Masmonteil T, Liauw J, Mundle W, Murphy K, Wong S, Joseph KS. N° 364 - La Corticothérapie Prénatale Pour Améliorer Les Issues Néonatales. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2018; 40:1240-1262. [PMID: 30268317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Évaluer les avantages et les risques de la corticothérapie prénatale chez les femmes qui présentent un risque d'accouchement prématuré ou qui subissent une césarienne à terme avant début de travail, et formuler des recommandations visant l'amélioration des issues néonatales et des issues à long terme. OPTIONS Administrer ou ne pas administrer une corticothérapie prénatale aux femmes qui présentent un risque élevé d'accouchement prématuré ou qui subissent une césarienne avant travail à terme. RéSULTATS: Morbidité périnatale, notamment le syndrome de détresse respiratoire, l'hémorragie intraventriculaire, la dysplasie bronchopulmonaire, l'infection, l'hypoglycémie, ainsi que les troubles de la croissance somatique et cérébrale et du neurodéveloppement; mortalité périnatale; et morbidité maternelle, notamment l'infection et la suppression surrénalienne. UTILISATEURS CIBLES Fournisseurs de soins de maternité, notamment les sages-femmes, les médecins de famille et les obstétriciens. POPULATION CIBLE Femmes enceintes. ÉVIDENCE: Nous avons interrogé les bases de données Medline, PubMed et Embase ainsi que la Bibliothèque Cochrane, de leur création au mois de septembre 2017. Nous nous sommes servis de Medical Subjet Headings (MeSH) et de mots clés en lien avec la grossesse, la prématurité, les corticostéroïdes ainsi que la mortalité et la morbidité périnatales et néonatales. Nous avons également consulté les déclarations d'organismes professionnels tels que les National Institutes of Health, l'American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, la Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, le Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists et la Société canadienne de pédiatrie pour obtenir des références additionnelles. Les essais cliniques randomisés évaluant la corticothérapie prénatale menés sur des femmes enceintes et les revues systématiques antérieures sur le sujet étaient admissibles, tout comme les données venant de revues systématiques d'études non expérimentales (études de cohorte). VALEURS La présente opinion de comité a été révisée et approuvée par le Comité de médecine fœto-maternelle de la SOGC, et approuvée par le Conseil de la SOGC. AVANTAGES, INCONVéNIENTS ET COûTS: L'administration d'une corticothérapie prénatale dans les sept jours précédant l'accouchement réduit significativement la morbidité et la mortalité périnatales associées à la naissance prématurée survenant entre 24+0 et 34+6 semaines de grossesse. Si la corticothérapie prénatale est administrée plus de sept jours avant l'accouchement ou après 34+6 semaines de grossesse, les effets indésirables peuvent surpasser les avantages. Les données probantes sur l'impact à long terme de la corticothérapie prénatale sont rares. Par ailleurs, les effets neurodéveloppementaux néfastes potentiels de l'exposition répétée à la corticothérapie prénatale ou de l'administration de corticostéroïdes en période préterme tardive ou à terme n'ont pas été quantifiés. MIS-à-JOUR à LA DIRECTIVE: Une revue des données probantes sera menée cinq ans après la publication de la présente directive clinique afin d'évaluer si une mise à jour complète ou partielle s'impose. Si de nouvelles données probantes importantes sont publiées avant la fin de ces cinq ans, une mise à jour tenant compte des nouvelles connaissances et recommandations sera publiée. COMMANDITAIRES La présente directive clinique a été élaborée à l'aide de ressources fournies par la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada et avec l'appui des Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (APR-126338). MOTS CLéS: Corticothérapie prénatale, maturation fœtale, prématurité, période préterme tardive, césarienne avant travail DÉCLARATION SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS: Considérations relatives à l'âge gestationnel.
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The efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy is dependent on the duration of low-concentration fetal exposure: evidence from a sheep model of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 219:301.e1-301.e16. [PMID: 29758177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids are among the most important and widely used interventions to improve outcomes for preterm infants. Antenatal corticosteroid dosing regimens remain unoptimized and without maternal weight-adjusted dosing. We, and others, have hypothesized that, once a low concentration of maternofetal steroid exposure is achieved and maintained, the duration of the steroid exposure determines treatment efficacy. Using a sheep model of pregnancy, we tested the relationship among steroid dose, duration of exposure, and treatment efficacy. OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to investigate the relative importance of duration and magnitude of fetal corticosteroid exposure to mature the preterm fetal ovine lung. STUDY DESIGN Ewes with single fetuses at 120 days gestation received an intravenous bolus (loading dose) followed by a maintenance infusion of betamethasone phosphate to target 12-hour fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations of (1) 20 ng/mL, (2) 10 ng/mL, or (3) 2 ng/mL. In a subsequent experiment, fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations were targeted at 2 ng/mL for 26 hours. Negative control animals received sterile saline solution. Positive control animals received 2 intramuscular injections of 0.25 mg/kg Celestone Chronodose (betamethasone phosphate + betamethasone acetate) spaced at 24 hours. Preterm lambs were delivered surgically and ventilated 48 hours after treatment commenced. Maternal and fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations were confirmed by mass spectrometry in a parallel study of chronically catheterized, corticosteroid-treated ewes and fetuses. RESULTS The loading and maintenance doses were achieved and maintained the desired fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations of approximately 20, 10, and 2 ng/mL for 12 hours. Compared with the 12-hour infusion-treated animals, lambs from the positive control (2 intramuscular doses of 0.25 mg/kg Celestone Chronodose) group had the greatest functional lung maturation (compliance, gas exchange, arterial pH) and molecular evidence of maturation (glucocorticoid receptor signaling activation), despite having maximum fetal plasma betamethasone concentrations 2.5 times lower than animals in the 20 ng/mL betamethasone infusion group. Lambs from the 12-hour 2-ng/mL betamethasone infusion group had little functional lung maturation. In contrast, lambs from the 26-hour 2-ng/mL betamethasone infusion group had functional lung maturation equivalent to lambs from the positive control group. CONCLUSION In preterm lambs that were exposed to antenatal corticosteroids, high maternofetal plasma betamethasone concentrations did not correlate with improved lung maturation. The largest and most consistent improvements in lung maturation were in animals that were exposed to either the clinical course of Celestone Chronodose or a low-dose betamethasone phosphate infusion to achieve a fetal plasma betamethasone concentration of approximately 2 ng/mL for 26 hours. The duration of low-concentration maternofetal steroid exposure, not total dose or peak drug exposure, is a key determinant for antenatal corticosteroids efficacy. These findings underscore the need to develop an optimized steroid dosing regimen that may improve both the efficacy and safety of antenatal corticosteroids therapy.
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Jobe AH, Goldenberg RL. Antenatal corticosteroids: an assessment of anticipated benefits and potential risks. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 219:62-74. [PMID: 29630886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids are standard of care for pregnancies at risk of preterm delivery between 24-34 weeks' gestational age. Recent trials demonstrate modest benefits from antenatal corticosteroids for late preterm and elective cesarean deliveries, and antenatal corticosteroids for periviable deliveries should be considered with family discussion. However, many women with threatened preterm deliveries receive antenatal corticosteroids but do not deliver until >34 weeks or at term. The net effect is that a substantial fraction of the delivery population will be exposed to antenatal corticosteroids. There are gaps in accurate assessments of benefits of antenatal corticosteroids because the randomized controlled trials were performed prior to about 1990 in pregnancies generally >28 weeks. The care practices for the mother and infant survival were different than today. The randomized controlled trial data also do not strongly support the optimal interval from antenatal corticosteroid treatment to delivery of 1-7 days. Epidemiology-based studies using large cohorts with >85% of at-risk pregnancies treated with antenatal corticosteroids probably overestimate the benefits of antenatal corticosteroids. Although most of the prematurity-associated mortality is in low-resource environments, the efficacy and safety of antenatal corticosteroids in those environments remain to be evaluated. The short-term benefits of antenatal corticosteroids for high-risk pregnancies in high-resource environments certainly justify antenatal corticosteroids as few risks have been identified over many years. However, cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities have been identified in large animal models and cohorts of children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids that are consistent with fetal programming for adult diseases. These late effects of antenatal corticosteroids suggest caution for the expanded use of antenatal corticosteroids beyond at-risk pregnancies at 24-34 weeks. A way forward is to develop noninvasive fetal assessments to identify pregnancies across a wider gestational age that could benefit from antenatal corticosteroids.
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Kothe TB, Royse E, Kemp MW, Schmidt A, Salomone F, Saito M, Usuda H, Watanabe S, Musk GC, Jobe AH, Hillman NH. Effects of budesonide and surfactant in preterm fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 315:L193-L201. [PMID: 29671605 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00528.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical ventilation causes lung injury and systemic inflammatory responses in preterm sheep and is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Budesonide added to surfactant decreased BPD by 20% in infants. We wanted to determine the effects of budesonide and surfactant on injury from high tidal volume (VT) ventilation in preterm lambs. Ewes at 125 ± 1 days gestational age had fetal surgery to expose fetal head and chest with placental circulation intact. Lambs were randomized to 1) mechanical ventilation with escalating VT to target 15 ml/kg by 15 min or 2) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of 5 cmH2O. After the 15-min intervention, lambs were given surfactant 100 mg/kg with saline, budesonide 0.25 mg/kg, or budesonide 1 mg/kg. The fetuses were returned to the uterus for 24 h and then delivered and ventilated for 30 min to assess lung function. Budesonide levels were low in lung and plasma. CPAP groups had improved oxygenation, ventilation, and decreased injury markers compared with fetal VT lambs. Budesonide improved ventilation in CPAP lambs. Budesonide decreased lung weights and lung liquid and increased lung compliance and surfactant protein mRNA. Budesonide decreased proinflammatory and acute-phase responses in lung. Airway thickness increased in animals not receiving budesonide. Systemically, budesonide decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA and preserved glycogen in liver. Results with 0.25 and 1 mg/kg budesonide were similar. We concluded that budesonide with surfactant matured the preterm lung and decreased the liver responses but did not improve lung function after high VT injury in fetal sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brett Kothe
- Division of Neonatology, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University , Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Emily Royse
- Division of Neonatology, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University , Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Augusto Schmidt
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Fabrizio Salomone
- Department of Preclinical Pharmacology Research and Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma , Italy
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital , Sendai , Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia.,Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital , Sendai , Japan
| | - Shimpei Watanabe
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital , Sendai , Japan
| | - Gabrielle C Musk
- Animal Care Services, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati, Ohio.,School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia , Australia
| | - Noah H Hillman
- Division of Neonatology, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University , Saint Louis, Missouri
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Rittenschober-Böhm J, Rodger J, Jobe AH, Kallapur SG, Doherty DA, Kramer BW, Payne MS, Archer M, Rittenschober C, Newnham JP, Miura Y, Berger A, Matthews SG, Kemp MW. Antenatal Corticosteroid Exposure Disrupts Myelination in the Auditory Nerve of Preterm Sheep. Neonatology 2018; 114:62-68. [PMID: 29669335 DOI: 10.1159/000487914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) improve preterm neonatal outcomes. However, uncertainty remains regarding the safety of ACS exposure for the developing fetus, particularly its neurosensory development. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of single and multiple ACS exposures on auditory nerve development in an ovine model of pregnancy. METHODS Ewes with a single fetus (gestational age [GA] 100 days) received an intramuscular injection of 150 mg medroxyprogesterone-acetate, followed by intramuscular (i) betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) on days 104, 111, and 118 GA; (ii) betamethasone on day 104 and saline on days 111 and 118 GA; or (iii) saline on days 104, 111, and 118 GA, with delivery on day 125 GA. Transmission electron microscope images of lamb auditory nerve preparations were digitally analyzed to determine auditory nerve morphology and myelination. RESULTS Relative to the control, mean auditory nerve myelin area was significantly increased in the multiple-treatment group (p < 0.001), but not in the single-treatment group. Increased myelin thickness was significantly changed only in a subgroup analysis for those axons with myelin thickness greater than the median value (p < 0.001). Morphological assessments showed that the increased myelin area was due to an increased likelihood of decompacted areas (p = 0.005; OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.26-3.63; 31.6 vs. 18.2% in controls) and irregular myelin deposition (p = 0.001; OR = 5.91, 95% CI 2.16-16.19; 49.0 vs. 16.8% in controls) in the myelin sheath. CONCLUSIONS In preterm sheep, ACS exposure increased auditory nerve myelin area, potentially due to disruption of normal myelin deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Rittenschober-Böhm
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennifer Rodger
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Suhas G Kallapur
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Dorota A Doherty
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Boris W Kramer
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew S Payne
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | | | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Yuichiro Miura
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Angelika Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UWA, Perth, Washington, Australia
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Low-dose betamethasone-acetate for fetal lung maturation in preterm sheep. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:132.e1-132.e9. [PMID: 29138038 PMCID: PMC5759749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.11.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal steroids are standard of care for women who are at risk of preterm delivery; however, antenatal steroid dosing and formulation have not been evaluated adequately. The standard clinical 2-dose treatment with betamethasone-acetate+betamethasone-phosphate is more effective than 2 doses of betamethasone-phosphate for the induction of lung maturation in preterm fetal sheep. We hypothesized that the slowly released betamethasone-acetate component induces similar lung maturation to betamethasone-phosphate+betamethasone-acetate with decreased dose and fetal exposure. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate pharmacokinetics and fetal lung maturation of antenatal betamethasone-acetate in preterm fetal sheep. STUDY DESIGN Groups of 10 singleton-pregnant ewes received 1 or 2 intramuscular doses 24 hours apart of 0.25 mg/kg/dose of betamethasone-phosphate+betamethasone-acetate (the standard of care dose) or 1 intramuscular dose of 0.5 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, or 0.125 mg/kg of betamethasone-acetate. Fetuses were delivered 48 hours after the first injection at 122 days of gestation (80% of term) and ventilated for 30 minutes, with ventilator settings, compliance, vital signs, and blood gas measurements recorded every 10 minutes. After ventilation, we measured static lung pressure-volume curves and sampled the lungs for messenger RNA measurements. Other groups of pregnant ewes and fetuses were catheterized and treated with intramuscular injections of betamethasone-phosphate 0.125 mg/kg, betamethasone-acetate 0.125 mg/kg, or betamethasone-acetate 0.5 mg/kg. Maternal and fetal betamethasone concentrations in plasma were measured for 24 hours. RESULTS All betamethasone-treated groups had increased messenger RNA expression of surfactant proteins A, B, and C, ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 3, and aquaporin-5 compared with control animals. Treatment with 1 dose of intramuscular betamethasone-acetate 0.125mg/kg improved dynamic and static lung compliance, gas exchange, and ventilation efficiency similarly to the standard treatment of 2 doses of 0.25 m/kg of betamethasone-acetate+betamethasone-phosphate. Betamethasone-acetate 0.125 mg/kg resulted in lower maternal and fetal peak plasma concentrations and decreased fetal exposure to betamethasone compared with betamethasone-phosphate 0.125 mg/kg. CONCLUSION A single dose of betamethasone-acetate results in similar fetal lung maturation as the 2-dose clinical formulation of betamethasone-phosphate+betamethasone-acetate with decreased fetal exposure to betamethasone. A lower dose of betamethasone-acetate may be an effective alternative to induce fetal lung maturation with less risk to the fetus.
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Miura Y, Usuda H, Watanabe S, Woodward E, Saito M, Musk GC, Kallapur SG, Sato S, Kitanishi R, Matsuda T, Newnham JP, Stock SJ, Kemp MW. Stable Control of Physiological Parameters, But Not Infection, in Preterm Lambs Maintained on Ex Vivo Uterine Environment Therapy. Artif Organs 2017; 41:959-968. [DOI: 10.1111/aor.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Miura
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Haruo Usuda
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Shimpei Watanabe
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Eleanor Woodward
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Gabrielle C. Musk
- Animal Care Services; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Suhas G. Kallapur
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Neonatology Continuing Medical Education Global Health Center; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Ryuta Kitanishi
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Tadashi Matsuda
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - John P. Newnham
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Sarah J. Stock
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Institute for Medical Research; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Matthew W. Kemp
- School of Women's and Infants’ Health; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine; Tohoku University Hospital; Sendai Miyagi Japan
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