Steroids Administration at Term in Egypt: Does it
become a Routine Practice?

Ayman S Dawood; Hesham A Salem

Short Communication

Steroids Administration at Term in Egypt: Does it become a Routine Practice?

Ayman S Dawood¹* and Hesham A Salem²

¹Lecturer of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tanta University, Egypt

²Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tanta University, Egypt

Corresponding Author

Received Date: April 30, 2019; Published Date: May 03, 2019

Abstract

Background: Antenatal steroids become a routine daily practice before elective Cesarean deliveries in Egypt. These drugs were recommended only from 24 weeks to 34 weeks of gestation to minimize respiratory morbidities in newborn. Steroids are not without side effects or complications for both the baby and the mother.

Objective: To evaluate the evidence regarding the use of antenatal steroids at term prior to scheduled cesarean delivery. Materials and Methods: Reviewing published data in recent ten years since January 2009 till 31, December 2017.

Results: Antenatal steroids were recommended only from 24 weeks to 34 weeks with extension up to 37 weeks of gestation not later to minimize respiratory morbidities in newborn.

Conclusion: Steroids are not without side effects or complications for both the baby and the mother. These drugs should be limited to high risk patients with imminent preterm birth and discouraged before term deliveries till evidence approve its long-term safety.

Keywords: Antenatal steroids; Scheduled; Cesarean delivery; Neonatal; Maternal outcomes

Article Details

Citation

Ayman S Dawood, Hesham A Salem. Steroids Administration at Term in Egypt: Does it become a Routine Practice?. W J Gynecol Women’s Health. 2(3): 2019 WJGWH.MS.ID.000537.