Use of antenatal corticosteroids in the management of preterm delivery.

Objective: This narrative review of the literature explores the current evidence and recommendations in favor of antenatal corticosteroids use during impending preterm deliveries as well as related issues and concerns.

Study Design: Synthesis of findings from published medical literature on antenatal corticosteroids and prematurity, retrieved from searches of computerized databases and authoritative texts.

Results: It is now recognized that an intramuscular course of betamethasone or dexamethasone given to a woman expected to deliver preterm not only accelerates pulmonary epithelial development but also matures other organ systems, significantly decreasing the chances of neonatal morbidities and increasing chances of survival.

Conclusion: There remain uncertainties over the efficacy of the established protocol in populations such as the very early preterm, the late preterm, and multiple gestations. Alternative regimens remain controversial because of fear of adverse effects and doubts regarding whether benefits outweigh risks.