Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objective
An increasing proportion of fetuses are exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). Despite their immediate beneficial effects, the long-term safety of ACS has been an ongoing source of concern. In the current study, we assessed the likelihood of neurodevelopmental problems among term infants exposed to ACS earlier in pregnancy compared with non-exposed term infants.Design
Retrospective cohort study (2006-2011). Median duration of follow-up was 7.8 (IQR 6.4-9.2) years.Setting
Population-based study, Ontario, Canada.Participants
All live singleton infants born at term (?370/7 weeks gestation) (n=529?205).Exposure
ACS during pregnancy.Primary and secondary outcome measures
A composite of diagnostic or billing codes reflecting proven or suspected neurodevelopmental problems during childhood including audiometry testing, visual testing or physician service claim with a diagnosis code related to a suspected neurocognitive disorder.Results
At 5 years of age, the cumulative rate for the primary outcome was higher among infants exposed to ACS compared with non-exposed infants: 61.7% (3346/5423) vs 57.8% (302 520/523 782), respectively (p<0.001; number needed to harm (NNH)=25, 95%?CI 19 to 38; adjusted HR (aHR) 1.12, 95%?CI 1.08 to 1.16). Similar findings were observed for each of the individual components of the primary outcome: 15.3% vs 12.7% for audiometry testing (p<0.001; NNH=39, 95%?CI 29 to 63; aHR 1.18, 95%?CI 1.11 to 1.25); 45.4% vs 43.5% for visual testing (p=0.006; NNH=54, 95%?CI 31 to 200; aHR 1.08, 95%?CI 1.04 to 1.12) and 25.8% vs 21.6% for suspected neurocognitive disorder (p<0.001; NNH=24, 95%?CI 19 to 33; aHR 1.16, 95%?CI 1.10 to 1.21).Conclusions
We found an association among term infants between exposure to ACS during pregnancy and healthcare utilisation during childhood related to suspected neurocognitive and neurosensory disorders.
SUBMITTER: Melamed N
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6773295 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Melamed Nir N Asztalos Elizabeth E Murphy Kellie K Zaltz Arthur A Redelmeier Donald D Shah Baiju R BR Barrett Jon J
BMJ open 20190930 9
<h4>Objective</h4>An increasing proportion of fetuses are exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). Despite their immediate beneficial effects, the long-term safety of ACS has been an ongoing source of concern. In the current study, we assessed the likelihood of neurodevelopmental problems among term infants exposed to ACS earlier in pregnancy compared with non-exposed term infants.<h4>Design</h4>Retrospective cohort study (2006-2011). Median duration of follow-up was 7.8 (IQR 6.4-9.2) years.< ...[more]