A decade of Experience with use of Antenatal Corticosteroids in Preterm Birth: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in the Resource-Constraints Setting of Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria

Authors

  • Dr Simon Pius Department of Paediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069 Maiduguri Nigeria
  • Dr Fiona Gideon Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Nigeria
  • Dr Abubakar Ali Kullima University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri Nigeria
  • Dr Mustapha Bello Department of Paediatrics College of Medical Sciences University of Maiduguri Nigeria
  • Dr Audu Idrisa University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Keywords:

Antenatal corticosteriods, dexamethasone, PPROM, RDS, survival

Abstract

Background:

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ACOG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), administration of antenatal corticosteroids to mothers presented in imminent preterm birth is strongly associated with decreased neonatal morbidity and mortality. It enhances lung maturity and surfactant in the alveolar sacs from 22 to 28 weeks gestation.

Objective:

To review the beneficial effect ACS (dexamethasone) among pregnant mothers with imminent preterm birth at labour ward and admitted at special care baby unit of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital over ten-year duration (2012 to 2022).

Subject and method:

This is a retrospective study of 425 of women who had preterm birth with complete information were retrieved and analyzed after obtaining ethical clearance from the hospital’s ethics and research committee.

Result:

During the 10 years study period, 21,458 births and of these, 425 deliveries were below 37 completed weeks, and all benefitted from treatment with antenatal corticosteroids. The preterm birth had at least 2 doses of dexamethasone at dose of 6 mg 12 hourly apart, with prevalence of (2.3%). before birth. There was improved APGAR score (≥7 at 1 and 5 minutes) and respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis were equally low among the babies in whom mothers had at least 2 doses of ACS.

Conclusion:

Antenatal corticosteroid administration in preterm birth (2.3%) was very low. Dexamethasone use in preterm birth had proven beneficial in improving survival among preterm babies. We are suggesting further research in the use of antenatal/prenatal dexamethasone in imminent preterm birth.

Author Biographies

  • Dr Simon Pius, Department of Paediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069 Maiduguri Nigeria

    I am a Lecturer and Associate Professor of Neonatology in the Department of Paediatrics, College of Medical Sciences University of Maiduguri. I am a Honorary Consultant Neonatologist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Maiduguri Nigeria. I am also an external examiner in Department of Paediatrics Nile University of Nigeria Abuja. I am Postgraduate examiner in the Faculty of Paediatrics National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. I serve as visiting scholar School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of the Gambia, Banjul.

    MBBS, MHPM, FMCPaed(Nig)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Dr Fiona Gideon, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Nigeria

    She a Medical Doctor and senior registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Nigeria

  • Dr Abubakar Ali Kullima, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri Nigeria

    Dr Abubakar A Kullima is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Consultant Obstetrician at University of Maiduguri/University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Nigeria

  • Dr Mustapha Bello, Department of Paediatrics College of Medical Sciences University of Maiduguri Nigeria

    Dr Mustapha Bello is a Professor of Neonatology at the Department of Paediatrics University of Maiduguri Teaching Hopsital, Maiduguri Nigeria

  • Dr Audu Idrisa, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

    Dr Audu Idrisa is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Nigeria

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Published

2024-09-16

How to Cite

A decade of Experience with use of Antenatal Corticosteroids in Preterm Birth: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in the Resource-Constraints Setting of Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria. (2024). JOURNAL OF AFRICAN NEONATOLOGY, 2(3), 40 – 48. https://janeonatology.org/index.php/jan/article/view/65

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