Antenatal corticosteroid and early neonatal outcomes among preterm neonates delivered at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania

Abstract

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) have been proven to reduce prematurity-related neonatal complications and deaths. Tanzania introduced national ACS guidelines in 2015 with immediate adoption in tertiary facilities. This study aimed to assess the effect of ACS exposure among preterm neonates delivered at Muhimbili National Hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2017 and January 2018, where 160 preterm neonates with their mothers were recruited and their data was collected. We used univariate and bivariate logistic regression analysis to determine associations between ACS exposure and adverse neonatal outcomes. ACS exposure significantly reduced the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) by 58% (COR=0.42, 95%, CI, 0.2-0.8, p<0.01) and neonatal death by 75%, (COR=0.25, 95%, CI, 0.1-0.8, p=0.01). There was no effect on neonatal sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis. We conclude that exposure to ACS was significantly associated with reduced RDS and mortality among preterm neonates.