Hematological Profiles of Preterm Infants: Can it be Effected by Antenatal Steroids?

Antenatal corticosteroids (ANS) have been widely used since 1972, when Liggins and Howie first demonstrated their beneficial effects on neonatal outcomes. Over time, the recognized benefits of ANS have extended beyond neonatal respiratory support in preterm infants. Current international guidelines recommend administering ANS to pregnant women at risk of imminent preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. ANS therapy has been shown to reduce both morbidity and mortality among preterm neonates.

Glucocorticoid exposure promotes the maturation of multiple fetal organ systems, with a primary emphasis on accelerating lung development and reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The optimal therapeutic effect of ANS is observed within a window of 24 hours to 7 days following administration.

However, the potential adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy should not be overlooked and warrant careful consideration. First, corticosteroids may have negative effects on the developing brain, potentially leading to psychosomatic and neurodevelopmental disturbances, owing to the high density of glucocorticoid receptors in brain regions involved in behavioral regulation and endocrine control. Second, several studies have suggested that ANS may increase the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia and disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis.

In addition, a study conducted by Romejko et al. demonstrated that ANS administration is associated with alterations in hematological parameters among women exposed to prenatal steroids.

Considering that anemia is a common condition among preterm infants, it is crucial to analyze additional factors that may influence hematological test results and complicate diagnostic evaluation. Therefore, reliable assessment of hematological parameters at birth is particularly important in this population.