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Ninan K, Murphy KE, Asztalos EV, Jiang Y, Huszti E, Matthews SG, Santaguida P, Mukerji A, McDonald SD. The Impact of Infant Sex on Multiple Courses versus a Single Course of Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2919-e2926. [PMID: 37935374 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal literature has suggested that the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) may vary by infant sex. Our objective was to assess the impact of infant sex on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of ACS and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth trial, which randomly allocated pregnant people to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. Our primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or clinically significant neonatal morbidity (including neonatal death, stillbirth, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage [grade III or IV], cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis [stage II or III]). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome as well as anthropometric measures. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants who received multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. An interaction between exposure to ACS and infant sex was assessed for significance and multivariable regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for predefined covariates, when feasible. RESULTS Data on 2,300 infants were analyzed. The interaction term between treatment status (multiple courses vs. a single course of ACS) and infant sex was not significant for the primary outcome (p = 0.86), nor for any of the secondary outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Infant sex did not modify the association between exposure to ACS and perinatal outcomes including perinatal mortality or neonatal morbidity or anthropometric outcomes. However, animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after exposure to ACS may emerge over time and thus investigating long-term sex-specific outcomes warrants further attention. KEY POINTS · We explored the impact of infant sex on perinatal outcomes after multiple versus a single course of ACS.. · Infant sex was not a significant effect modifier of ACS exposure and perinatal outcomes.. · Animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after ACS exposure may emerge over time.. · Further investigation of long-term sex-specific outcomes is warranted..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yidi Jiang
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ella Huszti
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasqualina Santaguida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit Mukerji
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Romantsik O, Bank M, Menon JML, Malhotra A, Bruschettini M. Value of preclinical systematic reviews and meta-analyses in pediatric research. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03197-1. [PMID: 38615075 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03197-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Similar to systematic reviews (SRs) in clinical fields, preclinical SRs address a specific research area, furnishing information on current knowledge, possible gaps, and potential methodological flaws of study design, conduct, and report. One of the main goals of preclinical SRs is to identify aspiring treatment strategies and evaluate if currently available data is solid enough to translate to clinical trials or highlight the gaps, thus justifying the need for new studies. It is imperative to rigorously follow the methodological standards that are widely available. These include registration of the protocol and adherence to guidelines for assessing the risk of bias, study quality, and certainty of evidence. A special consideration should be made for pediatric SRs, clinical and preclinical, due to the unique characteristics of this age group. These include rationale for intervention and comparison of primary and secondary outcomes. Outcomes measured should acknowledge age-related physiological changes and maturational processes of different organ systems. It is crucial to choose the age of the animals appropriately and its possible correspondence for specific pediatric age groups. The findings of well-conducted SRs of preclinical studies have the potential to provide a reliable evidence synthesis to guide the design of future preclinical and clinical studies. IMPACT: This narrative review highlights the importance of rigorous design, conduct and reporting of preclinical primary studies and systematic reviews. A special consideration should be made for pediatric systematic reviews of preclinical studies, due to the unique characteristics of this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Romantsik
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, 21185, Sweden.
| | - Matthias Bank
- Library and ICT, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Julia M L Menon
- Preclinicaltrials.eu, Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, 21185, Sweden
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Ushida T, Nakatochi M, Kobayashi Y, Nakamura N, Fuma K, Iitani Y, Imai K, Sato Y, Hayakawa M, Kajiyama H, Kotani T. Antenatal corticosteroids and outcomes of small for gestational age infants born at 24-31 gestational weeks: a population-based propensity score matching analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1463-1471. [PMID: 36352162 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06834-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment on neonatal outcomes in small for gestational age (SGA) infants born at 24-31 gestational weeks compared with non-SGA infants. METHODS A population-based retrospective study was conducted that analyzed clinical data from the Neonatal Research Network of Japan database, which enrolls neonates born at < 32 gestational weeks and weighing 1500 g or less (n = 22,414). Propensity score matching (with the ratio of ACS to no-ACS groups of 1:1) was performed in SGA (n = 7028) and non-SGA (n = 15,386) infants, respectively. Univariate logistic and interaction analyses were performed to compare the short-term neonatal outcomes of infants with and without ACS treatment in utero. RESULTS In the SGA and non-SGA infants, ACS treatment significantly reduced in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.67 95% confidence interval [0.50-0.88] and 0.62 [0.50-0.78], respectively), respiratory distress syndrome (0.77 [0.69-0.87] and 0.63 [0.58-0.68], respectively), and composite adverse outcomes (0.73 [0.58-0.91] and 0.57 [0.50-0.65], respectively). ACS treatment also significantly reduced intraventricular hemorrhage (grade III/IV), periventricular leukomalacia, and sepsis in the non-SGA infants, but not in the SGA infants. However, interaction analyses revealed no significant differences between the SGA and non-SGA infants in the efficacy of ACS treatment on short-term outcomes except for respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS ACS treatment was associated with beneficial effects on mortality, respiratory distress syndrome, and adverse composite outcomes in extremely and very preterm SGA infants, with similar efficacy on all neonatal outcomes except for respiratory distress syndrome observed in the non-SGA infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
- Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Nakatochi
- Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yumiko Kobayashi
- Data Science Division, Data Coordinating Center, Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukako Iitani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Sato
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hayakawa
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-Cho, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
- Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Liauw J, Foggin H, Socha P, Crane J, Joseph KS, Burrows J, Lacaze-Masmonteil T, Jain V, Boutin A, Hutcheon J. Technical Update No. 439: Antenatal Corticosteroids at Late Preterm Gestation. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:445-457.e2. [PMID: 36572248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update recommendations for administration of antenatal corticosteroids in the late preterm period. TARGET POPULATION Pregnant individuals at risk of preterm birth from 340 to 366 weeks gestation. OPTIONS Administration or non-administration of a single course of antenatal corticosteroids at 340 to 366 weeks gestation. OUTCOMES Neonatal morbidity (respiratory distress, hypoglycemia), long-term neurodevelopment, and other long-term outcomes (growth, cardiac/metabolic, respiratory). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Administration of antenatal corticosteroids from 340 to 366 weeks gestation decreases the risk of neonatal respiratory distress but increases the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. The long-term impacts of antenatal corticosteroid administration from 340 to 366 weeks gestation are uncertain. EVIDENCE For evidence on the neonatal effects of antenatal corticosteroid administration at late preterm gestation, we summarized evidence from the 2020 Cochrane review of antenatal corticosteroids and combined this with evidence from published randomized trials identified by searching Ovid MEDLINE from January 1, 2020, to May 11, 2022. Given the absence of direct evidence on the impact of late preterm antenatal corticosteroid administration on neurodevelopmental outcomes, we summarized evidence on the impact of antenatal corticosteroids across gestational ages on neurodevelopmental outcomes using the following sources: (1) the 2020 Cochrane review; and (2) evidence obtained by searching Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from inception to January 5, 2022. We did not apply date or language restrictions. Given the absence of direct evidence on the impact of late preterm antenatal corticosteroid administration on other long-term outcomes, we summarized evidence on the impact of antenatal corticosteroids across gestational ages on other long-term outcomes by combining findings from the 2020 Cochrane review with evidence obtained by searching Ovid MEDLINE for observational studies related to long-term cardiometabolic, respiratory, and growth effects of antenatal corticosteroids from inception to October 22, 2021. We reviewed reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for additional references. See Appendix A for search terms and summaries. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix B (Tables B1 for definitions and B2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE Maternity care providers, including midwives, family physicians, and obstetricians. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Fuma K, Kotani T, Ushida T, Imai K, Iitani Y, Nakamura N, Miki R, Katsuki S, Kinoshita F, Sato Y, Hayakawa M, Kajiyama H. Antenatal corticosteroids-to-delivery interval associates cord blood S100B levels. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1129-1136. [PMID: 36759328 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
AIM Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are recommended for women at risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks' gestation. However, adverse effects of ACS on the fetal brain have also been reported. The time interval from ACS administration to delivery (ACS-to-delivery interval) might alter the effect of ACS on the fetal brain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ACS-to-delivery interval on cord blood S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) levels as a biomarker of brain damage. METHODS Women who delivered between 2012 and 2020 at a tertiary medical center were divided into three groups according to ACS use and ACS-to-delivery interval, retrospectively: non-ACS, ACS ≤7 days, and ACS >7 days. Patients who did not complete the ACS regimen were excluded. The primary outcome was cord blood S100B levels. RESULTS Cord blood S100B levels were significantly lower in the ACS ≤7 days group than in the non-ACS and ACS >7 days groups. In the multiple regression analysis, birth ≤7 days after ACS showed a significant negative association with S100B level (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Reduced S100B levels were observed in infants born ≤7 days after ACS but not in infants born >7 days after ACS. These findings suggest the importance of ACS timing to optimize its effects on the fetal brain, although further studies are required to identify these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Fuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Perinatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukako Iitani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anjo Kosei Hospital, Japan
| | - Rika Miki
- Laboratory of Bell Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Satoru Katsuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumie Kinoshita
- Data Science Division, Data Coordinating Center, Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Sato
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hayakawa
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Lin YH, Lin CH, Lin MC, Hsu YC, Hsu CT. Antenatal Corticosteroid Exposure is Associated with Childhood Mental Disorders in Late Preterm and Term Infants. J Pediatr 2023; 253:245-251.e2. [PMID: 36202238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the association between antenatal corticosteroids treatment and childhood mental disorders in infants born at different gestational ages, and to investigate the effect of different administration timing. STUDY DESIGN This population-based cohort study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. All singleton live births born between 2004 and 2010 were enrolled and followed up for at least 6 years. The primary outcome was any childhood mental disorder. Secondary outcomes included 7 specific subgroups of mental disorders. RESULTS A total of 1 163 443 singleton infants were included in the analysis, and 16 847 (1.45%) infants were exposed to antenatal corticosteroid treatment. Children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids were found to have a higher risk of developing childhood mental disorders in the entire cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18), the term group (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16), and the late-preterm group (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25). The administration of corticosteroids in the early stage of pregnancy (<28 weeks of gestation) significantly increased the risk of childhood mental disorders (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to antenatal corticosteroid treatment increases the cumulative risk of childhood mental disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, both in term and late preterm infants. The administration of corticosteroids in the early stage of pregnancy tends to increase the risk of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Lin
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Heng Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Lin
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Chi Hsu
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ting Hsu
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Mise à jour technique no 439 : Corticothérapie prénatale en période de prématurité tardive. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2022; 45:458-472.e2. [PMID: 36572247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Neurological implications of antenatal corticosteroids on late preterm and term infants: a scoping review. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:1225-1239. [PMID: 35681094 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to synthesize the body of knowledge on the association between ACS exposure for risk of preterm birth and brain development in infants ultimately born late preterm and term. Three databases and eight conference proceedings were systematically searched (1972-2021). Selection criteria included ACS administration for risk of preterm delivery, cohort of late preterm and term infants, and assessment of brain development. Data on study characteristics, ACS administration, and neurological outcomes were extracted and qualitatively synthesized according to themes. Neurological outcomes of the included studies (n = 27) were grouped into four themes. The most common adverse outcomes were reduced neonatal head circumference, structural cortical differences on MRI, increased prevalence of psychiatric problems, and increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays in ACS-exposed late preterm and term infants. Our scoping review demonstrated that ACS exposure for risk of preterm delivery may have important neurological implications in infants ultimately born late preterm and term. Given that the existing research is at serious risk for bias, further research that accounts for confounders such as preterm labor, maternal stress, and the number of ACS courses is needed to better establish the long-term neurological effects of ACS on late preterm and term infants. IMPACT: Due to the difficulty in predicting preterm birth, approximately 40% of fetuses exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are born at term (≥37 weeks' gestation). This scoping review summarizes the knowledge on the association between ACS exposure for risk of preterm birth and brain development in late preterm and term infants. The majority of studies reported that ACS exposure was associated with adverse brain development outcomes across various domains, such as reduced neonatal head circumference, cortical differences on MRI, and increased prevalence of psychiatric problems and neurodevelopmental delays in late preterm and term infants.
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Darlow BA, Harris SL, Horwood LJ. Little evidence for long-term harm from antenatal corticosteroids in a population-based very low birthweight young adult cohort. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2022; 36:631-639. [PMID: 35570644 PMCID: PMC9545416 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) given to mothers with anticipated very preterm delivery are widely used and improve infant outcomes. Follow-up studies of the first trials of ACS have shown no adverse effects, but recently there have been concerns about possible longer-term harms. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the relationship of ACS therapy to a range of physical health and welfare measures in a cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) young adults. METHODS Population-based cohort follow-up study. All VLBW infants born in New Zealand in 1986 were included in a prospective audit of retinopathy of prematurity. Perinatal data collection included information on ACS. At 26-30 years, 250 of 323 (77%) survivors participated, 58% having received ACS, with 229 assessed in one centre, including cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory and neurocognitive measures. Differences in outcome between those receiving/not receiving ACS were summarised by the mean difference for continuous outcomes supplemented by Cohen's d as a standardised measure of effect size (ES), and risk ratios (RRI) for dichotomous outcomes, adjusted for relevant covariates using generalised linear regression methods. RESULTS There were no or minimal adverse effects of receipt of ACS versus no receipt across a range of health and welfare outcomes, both for the full cohort (adjusted ES range d = 0.01-0.23; adjusted RR range 0.78-2.03) and for individuals with gestation <28 weeks (extremely preterm; EP), except for a small increase in rates of major depression. In EP adults, receipt of ACS was associated with a higher incidence of hypertension, but might have a small benefit for IQ. CONCLUSIONS In this population-based VLBW cohort, we detected minimal adverse outcomes associated with exposure to ACS by the third decade of life, a similar result to the 30-year follow-up of participants in the first ACS trial. However, further follow-up is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A. Darlow
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Sarah L. Harris
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - L. John Horwood
- Department of Psychological MedicineChristchurch Health and Development StudyUniversity of OtagoChristchurchNew Zealand
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Ninan K, Liyanage SK, Murphy KE, Asztalos EV, McDonald SD. Evaluation of Long-term Outcomes Associated With Preterm Exposure to Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:e220483. [PMID: 35404395 PMCID: PMC9002717 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Animal studies have found that antenatal corticosteroids affect many organs across multiple stages of life. However, the long-term outcomes in human children are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcomes associated with preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids compared with no exposure in all children as well as children with preterm and full-term birth. DATA SOURCES Academic databases were searched for articles published from January 1, 2000, to October 29, 2021, including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar. References of articles were also searched for relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, and cohort studies that assessed long-term neurodevelopmental, psychological, or other outcomes at 1 year or older in those who had preterm exposure to antenatal corticosteroids were included. No language restrictions were set. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently extracted data using a piloted data extraction form. Data on study population, pregnancy characteristics, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes were collected. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines were followed, and random-effects models were used for the meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was an author-defined composite of any adverse neurodevelopmental and/or psychological disorder. The secondary outcomes included specific measures of psychological disorders; neurodevelopmental delay; and anthropometric, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory outcomes. RESULTS A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, and involved more than 1.25 million children who were at least 1 year of age when the outcomes were assessed. Exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids for children with extremely preterm birth was associated with a significant reduction in risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84]; I2 = 0%; low certainty). For children with late-preterm birth, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a higher risk of investigation for neurocognitive disorders (n = 25 668 children; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]; low certainty). For children with full-term birth, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a higher risk of mental or behavioral disorders (n = 641 487 children; aHR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.36-1.60]; low certainty) as well as proven or suspected neurocognitive disorders (n = 529 205 children; aHR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.10-1.21]; low certainty). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study showed that exposure to a single course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with a significantly lower risk of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with extremely preterm birth but a significantly higher risk of adverse neurocognitive and/or psychological outcomes in children with late-preterm and full-term birth, who made up approximately half of those with exposure to antenatal corticosteroids. The findings suggest a need for caution in administering antenatal corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sugee K. Liyanage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E. Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V. Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah D. McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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van der Merwe J, van der Veeken L, Inversetti A, Galgano A, Valenzuela I, Salaets T, Ferraris S, Vercauteren T, Toelen J, Deprest J. Neurocognitive sequelae of antenatal corticosteroids in a late preterm rabbit model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:850.e1-850.e21. [PMID: 34875248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late preterm birth is associated with short-term respiratory and adaptive problems. Although antenatal corticosteroids seem to reduce the respiratory burden, this may come at the cost of adverse neuropsychological outcomes later in life. This impact has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE Herein, we investigate what the short- and long-term neurodevelopmental effects of a single course of betamethasone in simulated late preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN Time-mated pregnant does received 0.1 mg/kg betamethasone (n=8) or 1 mL saline intramuscular (n=6) at the postconceptional ages of 28 and 29 days. The antenatal corticosteroid dose and scheme were based on previous studies and were comparable with routine clinical use. Cesarean delivery was done on postconceptional age 30 days (term=31 days), and new-born rabbits were foster-cared for 28 days and were thereafter cared for in group housing. Neonatal lung function testing and short-term neurobehavioral testing was done. Open field, spontaneous alternation, and novel object recognition tests were subsequently performed at 4 and 8 weeks of age. On postnatal day 1 and at 8 weeks, a subgroup was euthanized and transcardially perfuse fixated. Ex vivo high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to calculate the Diffusion Tensor Imaging-derived fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Fixated brains underwent processing and were serial sectioned, and a set of 3 coronal sections underwent anti-NeuN, Ki67, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. RESULTS Antenatal corticosteroid exposure was associated with improved neonatal lung function, yet resulted in a long-term growth deficit that coincided with a persistent neurobehavioral deficit. We demonstrated lower neonatal motor scores; a persistent anxious behavior in the open field test with more displacements, running, and self-grooming episodes; persistent lower alternation scores in the T-Maze test; and lower discriminatory indexes in the novel object recognition. On neuropathological assessment, antenatal corticosteroid exposure was observed to result in a persistent lower neuron density and fewer Ki67+ cells, particularly in the hippocampus and the corpus callosum. This coincided with lower diffusion tensor imaging-derived fractional anisotropy scores in the same key regions. CONCLUSION Clinical equivalent antenatal corticosteroid exposure in this late preterm rabbit model resulted in improved neonatal lung function. However, it compromised neonatal and long-term neurocognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes van der Merwe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lennart van der Veeken
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Galgano
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignacio Valenzuela
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Salaets
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiano Ferraris
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Siahanidou T, Spiliopoulou C. Pharmacological Neuroprotection of the Preterm Brain: Current Evidence and Perspectives. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:479-491. [PMID: 32961562 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in viability, the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm babies remain serious concern as a significant percentage of these infants develop neurological and/or intellectual impairment, and they are also at increased risk of psychiatric illnesses later in life. The current challenge is to develop neuroprotective approaches to improve adverse outcomes in preterm survivors. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the current evidence on pharmacological agents targeting the neuroprotection of the preterm brain. Among them, magnesium sulfate, given antenatally to pregnant women with imminent preterm birth before 30 to 34 weeks of gestation, as well as caffeine administered to preterm infants after birth, exhibited neuroprotective effects for human preterm brain. Erythropoietin treatment of preterm infants did not result in neuroprotection at 2 years of age in two out of three published large randomized controlled trials; however, long-term follow-up of these infants is needed to come to definite conclusions. Further studies are also required to assess whether melatonin, neurosteroids, inhaled nitric oxide, allopurinol, or dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, choline, curcumin, etc.) could be implemented as neuroprotectants in clinical practice. Furthermore, other pharmacological agents showing promising signs of neuroprotective efficacy in preclinical studies (growth factors, hyaluronidase inhibitors or treatment, antidiabetic drugs, cannabidiol, histamine-H3 receptor antagonists, etc.), as well as stem cell- or exosomal-based therapies and nanomedicine, may prove useful in the future as potential neuroprotective approaches for human preterm brain. KEY POINTS: · Magnesium and caffeine have neuroprotective effects for the preterm brain.. · Follow-up of infants treated with erythropoietin is needed.. · Neuroprotective efficacy of several drugs in animals needs to be shown in humans..
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Siahanidou
- Neonatal Unit of the First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Gagnon LC, Allen VM, Crane JM, Jangaard K, Brock JA, Woolcott CG. The association between threatened preterm labour and perinatal outcomes at term: a population-based cohort study. BJOG 2020; 128:1145-1150. [PMID: 33184969 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between threatened preterm labour (TPTL) and perinatal outcomes of infants born at term. DESIGN A population-based cohort study of perinatal outcomes following TPTL <37 weeks of gestation with delivery at term. SETTING Nova Scotia, Canada. POPULATION All non-anomalous, singleton pregnancies ≥37 weeks of gestation without antepartum haemorrhage from 1988 to 2019. METHODS Using data from the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, TPTL was defined as pregnancies with a hospital admission between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation, with a diagnosis code denoting TPTL with administration of antenatal corticosteroids, or with administration of any tocolysis. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI of maternal and perinatal outcomes in women who had an episode of TPTL relative to those who did not. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Birthweight for gestational age below the tenth centile and a composite of perinatal mortality or severe perinatal morbidity. RESULTS Of 256 599 term deliveries meeting the inclusion criteria, 2278 (0.9%) involved TPTL. The risks of the primary outcomes were higher among those with TPTL relative to those without: birthweight for gestational age below the tenth centile (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11-1.39) and the composite of perinatal mortality/severe perinatal morbidity (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.54). CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of TPTL in term deliveries is low, affected pregnancies are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. Increased fetal surveillance should be considered in the management of pregnancies affected by TPTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Gagnon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - V M Allen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - J M Crane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - K Jangaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - J-Ak Brock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - C G Woolcott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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