Use of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal maturation

Corticosteroids used to enhance fetal maturation are one of the best studied interventions in perinatal medicine. The treatment has been shown to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. The intervention is also highly cost-effective. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the benefits of corticosteroids, controversial issues concerning their use, and current practice recommendations. The review will highlight the research presented at the recent National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference concerning corticosteroids. This research led the National Institutes of Health to advocate clinical practice guidelines on the appropriate use of corticosteroids.