Impact of Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy on Postnatal Surfactant Use in Preterm Infants

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), formerly known as hyaline membrane disease, is a common problem in preterm infants. This disorder is caused primarily by deficiency of pulmonary surfactant in an immature lung. RDS is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Surfactant therapy has been shown to significantly reduce neonatal and infant mortality. Corticosteroids are given antenatal, and then surfactant is given, along with corticosteroids, postnatal. A single course of corticosteroids is recommended for pregnant women between 24 weeks and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, including those with ruptured membranes and multiple pregnancies. Betamethasone is recommended as the steroid of choice, to be administered in two doses of 12 mg given intramuscularly 24 hours apart.