Abstract
Preterm birth is a major cause of death and morbidity in babies worldwide.[1] The majority of preterm deliveries and deaths occur in Africa and Asia. Antenatal corticosteroid administration to pregnant women at high risk of preterm delivery is a proven hospital‐based intervention to reduce adverse effects associated with preterm birth.[2] This intervention has significantly contributed to reductions in adverse neonatal outcomes in high‐income countries.
The efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids to promote fetal lung maturation in women at risk of preterm birth was first demonstrated in a randomized trial by Liggins and Howie over four decades ago.[3] Several randomized and observational studies have since then confirmed this important effect.
The efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids to promote fetal lung maturation in women at risk of preterm birth was first demonstrated in a randomized trial by Liggins and Howie over four decades ago.[3] Several randomized and observational studies have since then confirmed this important effect.
Original language | English |
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Article number | ED000121 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |
Volume | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 May 2017 |
Keywords
- preterm birth
- antenatal corticosteroids
- randomized trials