Neonatal Hypoglycemia After Initiation of Late Preterm Antenatal Corticosteroids

Objective: To compare the frequency and severity of neonatal hypoglycemia in pregnancies treated with and without late preterm antenatal corticosteroids.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of late preterm deliveries at LAC + USC (2015-2018). Neonatal outcomes were compared between pregnancies treated with and without corticosteroids.

Results: 93 pregnancies (39.9%) received corticosteroids and 140 (60.1%) did not. Neonates born to women given corticosteroids were more likely to be hypoglycemic (47.3 vs. 29.3%, OR 2.25, p = 0.01). The mean initial glucose (45.6 mg/dL vs. 51.9 mg/dL, p = 0.01) and glucose nadir (39.1 mg/dL vs. 45.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001) were significantly lower if the neonates received corticosteroids. Neonates admitted to the NICU solely for hypoglycemia were more likely to be born to women treated with corticosteroids (OR 4.71, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Administration of late preterm corticosteroids was associated with an increased incidence and severity of neonatal hypoglycemia.