Repeated antenatal corticosteroids: Effects on cerebral palsy and childhood behavior - 25/08/11
, Ronald Hagan, MB, BCh a, b, c, Sharon F Evans, PhD b, c, Annie Mullan, BPsych c, John P Newnham, MD b, c
Reprint requests: Noel P. French, MD, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Rd, Subiaco 6008, Western Australia. Abstract |
Objective |
This study was undertaken to determine the effects of repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids on childhood behavior and disabilities, including cognitive delay and cerebral palsy.
Study design |
Nonrandomized regional cohort of 541 very preterm infants born in Western Australia from singleton pregnancies and alive at 3 years were included in the study.
Main outcome measures |
Physical, cognitive, and psychological assessments up to 6 years.
Results |
Increasing numbers of antenatal corticosteroid courses were associated with a reduction in the rate of cerebral palsy. Three or more courses were also associated with increased rates of aggressive/destructive, distractible, and hyperkinetic behavior and these effects were present at both ages 3 and 6 years. Measures of internalizing behavior and intelligence quotient were unaffected by antenatal corticosteroid use.
Conclusion |
Repeated antenatal courses of corticosteroids may protect against cerebral palsy but are associated with hyperactivity later in childhood.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Antenatal corticosteroids, Cerebral palsy, Childhood behavior, Intrauterine programming
Plan
 | Supported by grants from the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) and the Women and Infants Research Foundation, Western Australia. |
Vol 190 - N° 3
P. 588-595 - mars 2004 Retour au numéro
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