Decreasing incidence of neonatal nosocomial bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit: antenatal corticosteroid treatment an innocent bystander?

Abstract

increased use of antenatal steroids is associated with a decreasing incidence rate of nosocomial bloodstream infections in neonates with birth weights between 1000 g and 2500 g, probably by decreasing the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus and/or due to improved respiratory outcome. This finding needs to be confirmed by randomised control trials or by a large prospective cohort study in similar population groups.

Antenatal dexamethasone and renal vascular resistance in preterm infants

“…We report our observations in a non‐randomised cross‐sectional study in preterm infants considering that it is unethical to eliminate the benefit of antenatal steroids in this population 14 . There was not difference in the number of antenatal care visits which represents medical care during pregnancy.…”