The effect of plurality and antenatal corticosteroid exposure on
neonatal hypoglycemia: a retrospective cohort study
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether preterm twins who receive antenatal
corticosteroid (ACS) are at increased risk for developing neonatal
hypoglycemia. Design: A retrospective cohort study Setting: Single
university-affiliated tertiary referral center Population: Indicated and
spontaneous preterm births (24+0-36+6 weeks) at a single center between
2011-2018. The study population included 3 groups matched for
gestational age at delivery and birth weight: 1. Twin neonates who
received a course of ACS 1-7 days before birth (n=266); 2. Twins who did
not receive ACS at that time interval (n=266); and 3. Singletons
receiving ACS 1-7 days before birth (n=266). Methods: The rate of
neonatal hypoglycemia was determined. Parametric, non-parametric
statistical methods, and regression analysis, were employed. Main
outcome measures: Neonatal hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL) within the
first 24-h and 48-h of life. Results: The rate of neonatal hypoglycemia
during the first 24-h of life was significantly higher in singletons
exposed to ACS compared to twins not exposed to ACS (p=0.019) and in
twins exposed to ACS compared to twins not exposed to ACS (p=0.047). The
rate of neonatal hypoglycemia was almost identical between twins and
singletons exposed to ACS (40.6% vs. 42.1%,p=0.72). Regression
analysis revealed that exposure to ACS (p=0.027) and birth weight
(p=0.009) were independently associated with neonatal hypoglycemia after
adjustment for maternal age, maternal BMI, gravidity, GDM diagnosis, and
GA at delivery. The rate of neonatal hypoglycemia between 24-48 hours
after birth did not differ significantly among groups (p=0.068).
Conclusions: Exposure to ACS, rather than plurality, is associated with
short-lived neonatal hypoglycemia