Abstract:
Background: Cesarean delivery is a known risk factor for
neonatal respiratory complications, mostly transient tachypnea
of the newborn (TTN) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
in infants at or near term. The current study aimed to assess the
efficacy of steroids administered before performing term (37-
39 weeks), elective caesarean section in reducing neonatal
respiratory morbidity and. Methods: This is a randomized
controlled study which was done on Benha University Hospital
and Benha Teaching Hospital, Egypt. Four hundred cases were
divided into two groups. Group A (Steroid Group): included
200 cases who received two intramuscular (IM) doses of 12 mg
dexamethasone 12 hours apart, 24 hours before elective CS.
Group B (Control Group): included 200 cases who received IM
saline as a placebo in the same regimen as the steroid group.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference
between group A and group B regarding maternal age, BMI,
gravidity, mean number of previous C.S. birth weight and
gestational age. Mean value of Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes
was statistically significant higher among group A than group B.TTN was statistically
significant lower among group A than group B. Admission to NICU was statistically
significant lower among group A than group B. There was statistically significant higher
numbers of neonates in group A than in group B regarding neonatal need for CPAP.
Conclusion : Prophylactic intramuscular injection of 12 mg dexamethasone 12 hours apart,
24 hours before elective CS at gestational age of 37 to 39 weeks can reduce neonatal
respiratory morbidity |
