Antenatal Corticosteroids: Who Should We Be Treating?

Antenatal corticosteroids remain one of the crucial interventions in those at risk for imminent preterm birth. Therapeutic benefits include reducing major complications of prematurity such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis, as well as an overall decrease in neonatal deaths. Optimal reductions in neonatal morbidity and mortality require a thoughtful review of the timing of administration. In addition, a thorough understanding is required of which patients maximally benefit from this intervention in the management and counseling of those at risk for preterm birth.