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Does antenatal corticosteroid therapy affect birth weight and head circumference?
James A Thorp1, Philip G Jones, Eric Knox
1Regional Perinatal Center, Sacred Heart Women's Hospital, Pensacola, Florida, USA. jathorp@bellsouth.net
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Antenatal corticosteroid use may reduce newborn birth weight and head circumference. This effect on head circumference persists even after accounting for birth weight, suggesting potential impacts on brain growth.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Antenatal corticosteroids are crucial for fetal lung maturation.
- Potential effects on fetal growth parameters require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between antenatal corticosteroid administration and neonatal anthropometric measurements.
- Specifically examining birth weight and head circumference in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14,338 nonanomalous newborns (23-34 6/7 weeks gestation).
- Multivariable analysis of variance controlled for maternal and obstetric factors.
- Examined effects on birth weight and head circumference.
Main Results:
- Antenatal corticosteroid use was associated with a mean reduction of 63g in birth weight and 3.1mm in head circumference.
- A significant reduction in head circumference (-1.2mm) persisted after controlling for birth weight.
- Findings suggest a disproportionate effect on brain growth compared to somatic growth.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal corticosteroids may independently reduce birth weight and head circumference.
- The persistent reduction in head circumference warrants further clinical investigation.
- The clinical significance of these anthropometric changes remains undetermined.