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Clinic for Children's Diseases, University Clinical Hospital Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
School of Medicine, University of Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Clinic for Children's Diseases, University Clinical Hospital Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
School of Medicine, University of Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
This study evaluates the impact of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration on early neonatal outcomes and laboratory parameters in preterm infants born at 28–34 gestational weeks. It assesses the effects of ACS on early morbidity, respiratory support, NICU admission, and metabolic changes reflected in laboratory parameters. A retrospective cohort study analysed medical records of preterm neonates born between January 2018 and July 2023. Neonatal outcomes were compared between ACS-exposed and non-exposed groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (p < 0.05). A total of 150 infants were included; 74 (49.3%) received ACS. No significant differences were found in birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores, NICU admission, resuscitation needs, respiratory support, or early morbidity. ACS exposure was associated with a lower, though non-significant, rate of critical illness (8.1% vs. 18.4%). Serum magnesium levels were significantly higher in the non-ACS group (p = 0.003), likely reflecting maternal magnesium sulfate administration. ACS benefits appear more pronounced at lower gestational ages. In infants born after 32 weeks, ACS appears to have a limited impact on respiratory and early clinical outcomes, while overall prognosis is primarily determined by gestational maturity and baseline neonatal characteristics. These findings highlight the need for further research to refine ACS administration strategies, particularly for late preterm neonates.
Conceptualization, S.M. and M.J.R.; Data curation, S.M.; Formal Analysis, S.M.; Investigation, S.M. and M.J.R.; Methodology, S.M.; Resources, S.M.; Visualization, S.M.; Writing – original draft, S.M.; Supervision, M.J.R.; Validation, M.J.R.; Writing – review & editing, M.J.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
This study was not supported by any sponsor or funder.
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
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