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Am J Perinatol 2019; 36(02): 200-204
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1667028
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Practice Variation in Antenatal Steroid Administration for Anticipated Late Preterm Birth: A Physician Survey

Ashley N. Battarbee
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
,
Mark A. Clapp
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Kim A. Boggess
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
,
Anjali Kaimal
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Carrie Snead
3   American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Jay Schulkin
3   American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, District of Columbia
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
,
Sofia Aliaga
5   Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
› Author Affiliations Funding Financial support for this study was provided in part by Grant UA6MC19010 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Further Information

Publication History

08 May 2018

07 June 2018

Publication Date:
17 July 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to measure knowledge and practice variation in late preterm steroid use.

Study Design Electronic survey of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) members about data supporting the ACOG/Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommendations and practice when caring for women with anticipated late preterm birth (PTB), 340/7 to 366/7 weeks.

Results Of 352 administered surveys, we obtained 193 completed responses (55%); 82.5% were generalist obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs), and 42% cared for women with anticipated late PTB at least weekly. Most believed that late preterm steroids provided benefit by reducing respiratory distress syndrome (93%), transient tachypnea of the newborn (83%), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (82%). More than half administered late preterm steroids to women with multiple gestations (73%), and pregestational diabetes (55–80%) depending on glycemic control. OB/GYNs administered steroids to insulin-dependent and poorly controlled diabetics more often than MFMs (75 vs. 46% and 59 vs. 37% respectively, p < 0.05 for both). While providers believed there was increased maternal hyperglycemia (88%) and neonatal hypoglycemia (59%), 88% believed neonatal respiratory benefits outweighed these risks. Respondents agreed research is needed to determine who are appropriate candidates (77%) and how to minimize adverse outcomes (82%).

Conclusion Most providers are administering late preterm steroids to all women, even those populations who have been excluded from previous trials. Despite widespread use, providers believe more research is needed to optimize management.

Keywords

survey - late preterm - antenatal corticosteroids

Note

This study was presented in poster format at the 38th annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Dallas, TX, January 29–February 3.


Supplementary Material

 

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