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Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and adults associated with antenatal corticosteroid exposure: a narrative

Luojia Li1, Joanne M Said1,2, Klea Atallah1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 16, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Antenatal corticosteroids may impact long-term neurodevelopment in children and adults, with studies showing mixed results. Further research is needed to clarify the benefits and risks of this fetal lung maturation treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Preterm birth presents significant risks for newborns, necessitating interventions like antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential long-term neurodevelopmental harms in individuals exposed to antenatal corticosteroids.
  • Existing literature presents a complex and inconclusive picture of these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a narrative review of published literature on the associations between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and adults.
  • To synthesize evidence on motor, cognitive, neurosensory, and behavioral impairments following antenatal corticosteroid exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of academic databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase) for articles published between 1995 and 2024.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on maternal corticosteroid administration and childhood/adulthood neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Analysis of 15 studies involving over 8.3 million participants, with follow-up assessments ranging from 2 to 31 years.

Main Results:

  • Most studies reported either an increased likelihood or no association between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and adverse neurodevelopment.
  • Some studies indicated potential benefits, such as reduced risk of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairments.
  • Findings were complex, with significant variability across studies and outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The evidence regarding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes following antenatal corticosteroid exposure is complex and inconclusive.
  • Further research is essential to elucidate the precise benefits and risks in diverse clinical scenarios.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for optimizing antenatal care strategies.

Keywords:
Antenatal corticosteroidsNeurodevelopmentPreterm birth

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