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Safely improving outcomes for babies after birth by planned caesarean section

Year:
2020
Duration:
72 months
Approved budget:
$1,433,915.15
Researchers:
Professor Katie Groom
,
Professor Caroline Crowther
,
Professor Frank Bloomfield
,
Dr Arier Lee
,
Professor Jonathan Morris
,
Dr William Grobman
Health issue:
Obstetric complications/perinatal care
Proposal type:
Project
Lay summary
In New Zealand, more than 15,000 babies are born by caesarean section every year. Planned caesarean section poses some risk to babies, particularly the need for neonatal unit admission for breathing support. Corticosteroids given to mothers before preterm birth reduce breathing problems, improve neonatal and childhood health, and save babies’ lives. However, there is limited research to determine whether these injections before planned caesarean section at or near term have similar beneficial effects. Furthermore, there is some concern they may lower baby blood sugar levels, possibly causing harm. The C*STEROID Trial, a New Zealand-wide, placebo-controlled, randomised trial, will assess the effects of corticosteroids prior to planned caesarean section at or near term on newborn and childhood health. It will provide the first high-quality evidence on the balance between benefit and harm of corticosteroids in this setting. It will reliably inform clinical practice for more than one in 10 of all future New Zealand births.