Prenatal steroid exposure boosts survival rates of preemies

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Researchers found that very premature babies born to mothers given steroids were twice as likely to survive as babies unexposed to steroids, but the overall survival rate still remained low at 36%. Eighty-three percent of babies born at 23 weeks who were exposed to steroids either died or suffered brain damage by age 18 months to 22 months, compared with 90% of those unexposed to steroids, according to the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Gail Neuman RNC BSN CPHW, Notary Publiccertified in high risk OBchildbirth/lactation educator & student nurse practitionerNRP, AHA BLS for Healthcare & Heartsaver Family/Friends instructor Perinatal Nurse AssociatesBaby Your Way Midwifery Associates801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305Santa Ana, CA 92705