Single versus repeated-course antenatal corticosteroids: Outcomes in singleton and multiple-gestation pregnancies

The objectives of this study are to compare the neonatal risks and benefits of antenatal single-course versus repeated-course corticosteroids in singl eton and multiple-gestation pregnancies. A comprehensive analysis was perfo rmed of the inpatient records of all neonates admitted to our center from 1 January 1994 through 31 May 1999. The primary outcome measure was survival without chronic lung disease (CLD). Secondary outcome measures included bi rth weight; head circumference; interval weight ratios; respiratory disease severity; intraventricular hemorrhage rate and severity; severe retinopath y of prematurity; early infection; and hospital days. All singletons 27-32 completed weeks' gestation, and multiples 26-32 weeks' gestation,whose moth ers had received betamethasone before delivery, were included. One hundred and fifteen singleton and 53 multiple-gestation infants (total 168) were st ratified by multiplicity, gestational-age (less than or equal to 29 or grea ter than or equal to 30 weeks), and number of steroid courses. Repeated cou rses of antenatal betamethasone were not associated with greater survival w ithout CLD, in either singleton- or multiple-gestation infants. In singleto ns there was no difference in any outcome measure between groups. In multip les, the only difference was greater postnatal weight gain in the lower ges tation group. Mean birth head circumference was smaller in repetitively-tre ated singletons less than or equal to 29 weeks. There are no clinically sig nificant neonatal benefits of repeated-course antenatal steroids in singlet ons greater than or equal to 27 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA) or mu ltiple-gestation infants greater than or equal to 26 weeks EGA. Prospective randomized trials of single-course versus repetitive antenatal corticoster oid therapy are warranted.