Efficacy of Antenatal Corticosteroid Injection in the Prevention of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome after C-Section

Aim: To determine the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroid in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome of the neonates in women undergoing elective cesarean section at term pregnancy. Study design: Descriptive case series Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from 6th December 2018 to 6th May 2019. Methodology: One hundred and seventy five women were enrolled. The women after taking complete history with obstetrical examination and antenatal corticosteroid administration i.e. 12 mg dexamethasone IM (two doses 12 hours apart) were observed. The caesarean section was performed by experienced obstetrician having minimum of five years of experience after 24 hours and within seven days of the second dose of dexamethasone. All the neonates were carefully examined in NICU for the detection of respiratory distress syndrome. All these observations were done under supervision of an expert pediatrician having minimum of five years of experience. Results: The mean age was 28±11.34 years. Thirty five percent patients had POG range 37+ weeks while 65% patients had POG range 38+ weeks. Mean POG was 37±1.12 weeks. More over antenatal corticosteroid was effective in 97% patients and was not effective in 3% patients. Conclusion: The antenatal corticosteroid was 97% effective in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome of the neonates, in women undergoing ELSC at term after elective caesarean section for term pregnancy. Keywords: Efficacy, Antenatal corticosteroid, Respiratory distress syndrome, Neonates, Elective C- section,