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Am J Perinatol 2008; 25(1): 021-028
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-995222
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Effects of Repeated Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids on Somatic Development in Children 6 to 10 Years of Age

Xi-Kuan Chen1 , 2 , Jane Lougheed3 , Margaret L. Lawson3 , William Gibb1 , Robin C. Walker3 , Shi Wu Wen1 , 2 , 4 , Mark C. Walker1 , 2 , 4
  • 1OMNI Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • 2OMNI Research Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • 3Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • 4Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 November 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This study assessed the effects of repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids on biometric characteristics, salivary cortisol, and heart function in children 6 to 10 years of age using a retrospective cohort study. Twenty-nine children whose mothers had received two or more courses of antenatal corticosteroids were identified from hospital charts. Eighty-seven children whose mothers did not receive antenatal corticosteroids were frequency matched with the exposed group by child's age, sex, and ethnicity. The body development, heart function, and salivary corticosteroid level were evaluated at 6 to 10 years of age. The percentiles of body measurements were calculated based on the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. The general linear models were applied to assess the observed association. Decreased head circumference (p = 0.017) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.047) in children 6 to 10 years of age were associated with repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids. Morning salivary cortisol level was lower in the exposed group than the unexposed group (p = 0.048). No difference was found in height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and echocardiogram measurements between the two groups. Repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroid therapy are associated with decreased head circumference, BMI, and salivary cortisol level in children 6 to 10 years of age.

KEYWORDS

Corticosteroid - antenatal - head circumference - biometric characteristics - heart function

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Mark C WalkerM.D. 

OMNI Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa

501 Smyth Road, Box 241, Ottawa, Canada, K1H 8L6

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