EFFECT OF ANTENATAL CORTICOSTEROIDS ON NEONATAL OUTCOMES IN TERM ELECTIVE CESAREAN SECTIONS: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Background: Elective cesarean sections at term, particularly before the onset of labor, are associated with increased neonatal respiratory morbidity. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) have shown benets in preterm births, but their utility in term elective cesarean deliveries remains controversial. Objective: To evaluate the effects of prophylactic ACS on neonatal respiratory outcomes in term elective cesarean deliveries. Methods: This interventional study was conducted at GMSH Sector-16, Chandigarh over one year. A total of 104 women (≥37 and <39 weeks) scheduled for elective cesarean were randomized into two groups: 52 received dexamethasone (6 mg i.m. four times 12 hours apart), and 52 received no intervention. Neonatal outcomes, including respiratory morbidity, APGAR scores, NICU admissions, and length of hospital stay were recorded and analyzed using SPSS v20. Results: NICU admissions were higher in the control group (19.2%) compared to the steroid group (11.5%). No cases of RDS occurred in the steroid group versus 2 (3.8%) in the control group. TTNB was observed in 5 neonates (9.6%) in the steroid group and 7 (13.5%) in controls. The study group also showed slightly higher APGAR scores and reduced need for mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Prophylactic ACS administration before elective cesarean delivery at term signicantly reduced respiratory morbidity without major adverse outcomes. These ndings support the cautious use of ACS in scheduled cesarean deliveries before 39 weeks.