A retrospective cohort study on effects of antenatal steroids on respiratory morbidity for term elective Caesarean sections in South Asian women

Respiratory distress (RD) is higher among newborns born by caesarean section (CS) at term. RCOG recommend steroid administration for CS prior to 39 weeks. Evidence for effectiveness of steroids for neonatal RD at term is inconclusive. The racial differences are yet to be studied. 

A single center retrospective cohort study was conducted in Colombo, Sri Lanka form December 2016 to February 2019. All mothers delivered by CS between 37+0 and 38+6 weeks were included in the study. Mothers with severe maternal hypertension, severe fetal rhesus sensitization, evidence of intrauterine infection, multiple pregnancies and those who received steroids due to other indications at a prior gestation and were excluded. Cohort was subdivided according to administration of IM dexamethasone prior to CS. Primary outcomes measured were RD, admissions to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and special care baby unit (SCBU). Neonatal infections and maternal duration of hospital stay was recorded as second...