Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Antenatal Corticosteroids (Green-top 7)

Antenatal Corticosteroids to Prevent Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This is the third edition of this guideline, which was previously published in April 1996 and December 1999.

Preterm delivery rates vary from 6% to 15% of all deliveries, with the rate increasing in recent years. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) causes significant mortality and morbidity in these babies. RDS is known to affect 40–50% of babies born before 32 weeks. Evidence has been available since 1972 that the antenatal administration of corticosteroids prior to preterm delivery reduces the incidence of RDS. The aim of this guideline is to provide up to date information on the appropriate use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy prior to preterm delivery for the reduction of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Other therapeutic interventions that may increase or decrease the effects of corticosteroids are also discussed (i.e. tocolytics and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone). This guideline does not address measures designed to predict preterm delivery (i.e. ultrasound scanning for cervical length, cervical fibronectin measurement or bacterial screening of mothers), nor does it address other interventions that may reduce the mortality and morbidity from preterm labour (i.e. antibiotics for preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, PPROM).

This guideline is available to download as a pdf by clicking the link below.