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Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment affects preterm infants' S100B urine concentration in a dose-dependent manner

Andrea Sannia1, Francesco M Risso, Laura D Serpero

  • 1Dept. of Neonatology Obstetrics and Neuroscience, G Gaslini Children's University Hospital, Genoa, Italy.

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|June 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Maternal antenatal glucocorticoid (GC) treatment impacts infant S100B brain damage marker levels dose-dependently. Lower GC courses may reduce brain impact without compromising lung maturation in preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Maternal glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is standard for preterm infant lung immaturity.
  • Emerging evidence suggests potential adverse effects of GCs on the developing Central Nervous System (CNS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dose-dependent effects of antenatal GC administration on CNS function in preterm infants.
  • To assess S100B urine concentrations as a marker of brain damage following varying GC treatment regimens.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 70 preterm infants (GC vs. control) with mothers receiving complete (GC2), half (GC1), or no GC course.
  • Urine S100B concentrations were measured at four time-points within 72 hours of birth.
  • Neonatal outcomes including respiratory distress syndrome, ventilation duration, intraventricular hemorrhage, and mortality were correlated with S100B levels.

Main Results:

  • Infants exposed to a complete GC course (GC2) showed significantly lower S100B levels compared to controls and the half-course group (GC1) (P<0.01).
  • No significant difference in S100B levels was observed between the control and GC1 groups (P>0.05).
  • Primary neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly between infants receiving half or complete GC courses.

Conclusions:

  • Antenatal GC exposure influences S100B levels in a dose-dependent manner, indicating differential effects on the CNS.
  • Reducing antenatal GC dosage may mitigate potential neurodevelopmental risks without negatively impacting lung maturation.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the benefits of reduced GC-course regimens.
Abstract

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