Possible effects of antenatal factors on brain development in the newborn

Preterm delivery is one of the most important causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Antenatal corticosteroid therapy applied to pregnant women with anticipated premature birth is important to improve the postnatal outcomes of the newborn. Studies have shown that antenatal steroid reduces RDS, IVH, NEC and mortality in premature newborns. Besides that, there have been studies showing the negative effects of ACS on brain development in premature babies. Therefore, adrenomedullin, S100, activin A, and tau protein levels, which are indicators of possible brain damage in the early period, were compared between premature newborns exposed to antenatal steroids and those who did not. Blood samples were taken from premature babies born under 34 weeks of gestation in Fırat University Hospital. The levels of adrenomedullin, activin A, S100, and tau levels between two different groups were examined. In addition, head circumference, blood sugar, TSH and T4 levels measured in babies were also compared. A total of 85 newborn babies were included in the study. These cases were %61.2 (n = 52) male and %38.8 (n = 33) female. Mean week of gestation was 30.0 ± 2.7 weeks (23-33 weeks). Antenatal steroid was administered to 45% (n = 41) and antenatal steroid was not administered to 55% (n = 44) of the mothers of the newborn babies included in the study. It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in terms of AM levels between babies who were exposed to antenatal steroids and those who were not exposed (p < 0.05). It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in terms of activin A, tau and S100 levels between babies who were exposed to antenatal steroids and those who were not exposed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although it is known that ACS treatment reduces the morbidity and mortality of premature babies, these babies should be closely followed-up in terms of neurodevelopmental aspects.