The effect of a prolonged time interval between antenatal corticosteroid administration and delivery on outcomes in preterm neonates: a cohort study.

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether the neonatal benefit of a single complete course of antenatal corticosteroids diminishes when delivery is remote from administration (> 14 days).

Study Design: This retrospective 2 center cohort trial included women who received a single complete course of antenatal corticosteroids and delivered a viable singleton infant between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation. Patients were divided into 1 of 2 groups on the basis of the interval from first corticosteroid dose to delivery (2-14 days and > 14 days).