Antenatal corticosteroids and respiratory distress syndrome - the first Polish national survey

Objective: Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the rate and the appropriate use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy, and their effect on the incidence and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and its complications. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical practice in Poland was performed using standard investigating tools: a questionnaire on the frequency of using antennal corticosteroids in the selected centers, as well as neonatal data. A total of 987 newborns at <= 32 weeks of gestation, treated in 54 centers (including 42 tertiary and 12 secondary referral centers) over a period of 6 months in 2013, were deemed eligible. The study group consisted of 749 newborns whose mothers received antenatal steroids. The non-steroid group included 238 newborns. Results: Antenatal corticosteroids were administered to 75.89% of the neonates from the study group, with 79% and 21% receiving one and two courses, respectively. Children whose mothers received prenatal steroids presented with less extensive radiographic changes typical of RDS, and less often required surfactant therapy (70% vs. 78%; p = 0.0143). In the group of children undergoing antenatal steroid therapy, the percentage of BPD was lower (13.27% vs. 18.63%) (p = 0.0881). The mortality rates were 20.91% and 10.81% in controls and the study group, respectively (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: 1. The percentage of antenatal steroid use in secondary and tertiary referral centers in Poland is unsatisfactorily low (76%). 2. Antenatal corticosteroids demonstrated high efficacy in decreasing severe forms of RDS, less need for surfactant therapy, and reduced BPD and mortality rates.