Background: Prematurity is still a major problem for health care services throughout the world. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm newborns. Frequency of morbidity and mortality in infants treated with antenatal steroid is less than those delivered without this therapy. Many pregnant females deliver before term or 37 weeks; hence these may be advised antenatal corticosteroid therapy without creating significant maternal or fetal side effects.

Method: It was an observational study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology IGMC Shimla for 1 year duration.

Results: The study sample of 244 was divided into two groups on the basis of exposure to antenatal corticosteroids. RDS was reported 57 cases (preterm neonates) in the study. It was seen in41 out of 165 cases of steroids uncovered group and 16 cases out of 79of steroid covered group. Mortality among steroid uncovered group was seen in 71 preterm neonates out of 165 as compared to 10 neonatal deaths out of 79 in steroid covered group.

Conclusion: Mortality in the infants treated with antenatal corticosteroid is significantly less than the group of preterm newborns delivered without this therapy.

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Dr Sapna Berry

VPO Bathri Tehsil Dalhousie, District Chamba Himachal Pradesh, India