Fetus

Pediatrics

Dexamethasone

Biology

Offspring

Endocrinology

Obstetrics

Corticosteroid

Pregnancy

Gestation

Preterm delivery

Genetics

Medicine

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

It has been well recognized that antenatal administration of dexamethasone to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery may markedly accelerate fetal maturation and reduce the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in their preterm infants, particularly for births before 34 weeks of gestation. Since 2015, antenatal corticosteroid administration has been extended beyond 34 weeks of gestation by clinical guidelines, as it might have beneficial effects on fetal maturation and perinatal outcomes. However, concerns regarding the potential influence of antenatal corticosteroid treatment on offspring neurodevelopment have been raised.

Associations between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and neurodevelopment in infants