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The effect of plurality and antenatal corticosteroid exposure on neonatal hypoglycemia: a retrospective cohort study
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  • Rakefet Yoeli-Ullman,
  • Roni Zemet,
  • Keren Zloto,
  • Arik Toren,
  • Heli Alexandroni,
  • Irit Schushan Eisen,
  • Shali Mazaki-Tovi
Rakefet Yoeli-Ullman
Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer

Corresponding Author:rakefet.yoeli-ullman@sheba.health.gov.il

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Roni Zemet
Sheba Medical Center
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Keren Zloto
Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer
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Arik Toren
Weizmann Institute of Science
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Heli Alexandroni
Shaare Zedek Medical Center
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Irit Schushan Eisen
The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital
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Shali Mazaki-Tovi
Sheba Medical Center
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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