Association of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes and Neonatal Morbidities of Extremely Premature Infants With Differential Exposure to Antenatal Steroids

Abstract

Antenatal steroid exposure was associated with a dose-dependent protective effect against death or neurodevelopmental impairment in extremely preterm infants. The effect was partly mediated by ANS-associated reductions in rates of severe intracranial hemorrhage and/or cystic periventricular leukomalacia. These results support prompt administration of ANS, with the goal of a complete course prior to delivery.