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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

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Published on: August 25, 2014
Timing of Antenatal Corticosteroid Administration and Neonatal Outcomes
Nir Melamed1, Kellie E Murphy, Christy Pylypjuk
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (N.M.), and Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital (K.E.M.), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg (C.P.); Department of Pediatrics, Surrey Memorial Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver (R.S.); Department of Neonatology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec (G.E.); and Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre (MiCare), Mount Sinai Hospital (E.W.Y., P.S.S.); and Department of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (P.S.S.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Antenatal corticosteroids (ANCS) effectively reduce risks for preterm birth before 34 weeks. This study clarifies the precise timing of ANCS benefits within the first week and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antenatal corticosteroids (ANCS) are crucial for managing preterm birth risk before 34 weeks.
- Current guidelines recommend ANCS, but optimal timing for maximum benefit remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the onset, peak, and duration of benefits from a single course of ANCS.
- To refine timing recommendations for ANCS administration in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from pregnancies receiving a single course of ANCS.
- Evaluation of neonatal outcomes in relation to the timing of ANCS administration and delivery.
Main Results:
- The benefits of ANCS begin within the first 24 hours after administration.
- Maximum benefits are observed within 1-7 days, with effects potentially extending beyond 7 days.
Conclusions:
- A single course of ANCS provides benefits within 24 hours, peaking at 1-7 days.
- Further research is needed to fully delineate the duration of ANCS benefits beyond 7 days.
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