A causal framework for the interaction between antenatal corticosteroids and gestational age

Antenatal corticosteroids are life-saving drugs administered to pregnant people at risk of imminent preterm birth. As the usage of these drugs continues to expand, select studies have raised concerns about potential longer-term consequences among infants born many weeks after treatment. Yet, because the exact timing of birth is unpredictable when treatment is administered, the causal interpretation of such studies remains uncertain. We will propose a causal framework for the design and interpretation of such studies, to guide researchers investigating the potential longer-term harms of antenatal corticosteroids and clinicians weighing the potential benefits and harms.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sam Harper

Student:

Partner:

Erasmus University Medical Center

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

McGill University

Program: