JAMA Netw Open

Complete antenatal corticosteroid courses tied to lower BPD risk in very preterm infants

December 5, 2025

In a prospective cohort of 1,097 infants (<30 weeks’ gestation) across 28 tertiary centers, complete antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) courses were associated with reduced risk of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 0.68), severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARR, 0.67), and shorter invasive ventilation duration. Protective effects were strongest in infants at 28 weeks’ gestation (ARR, 0.47), singleton births (ARR, 0.67), and vaginal deliveries (ARR, 0.62).

Clinical takeaway: Prioritize timely completion of ACS courses in high-risk pregnancies to help reduce BPD risk and improve neonatal pulmonary outcomes.

Source:

Gao L, et al; Chinese Multicenter EUGR Collaborative Group. (2025, November 26). JAMA Netw Open. Antenatal Corticosteroids and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Preterm Infants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41296483/