The timing of antenatal glucocorticoids determines the receptor sensitivity in preterm infants
Authors' conclusion
aGC exposure aligned with maternal GC rhythms; therefore, it would be advisable to improve PIs' capacity to fight against pathogens during the first weeks of life.
Study context
- Population
- Preterm infants exposed to antenatal glucocorticoids (aGCs), from a population-based cohort; excluded if born before gestational week 24 or exposed to postnatal GCssubcohorts
- Exposure
- aGCs in the morning vs evening vs controls
- Cn = 13reference
- Outcome
- GR sensitivity and gene expression in peripheral blood cells
- Follow-up
- On average 10 days after birth
Methodological detailspopulation-based, subcohorts, balanced by gestational age, birth weight and sex
- Population-based
- Subcohorts
- Balanced by gestational age, birth weight and sex
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
on average 10 days after birth
- OP infants had reduced GC receptor (GR) sensitivity
- OP infants had suppressed expression of genes involved in antibody production, leukocyte migration, antigen presentation
- GR sensitivity assessed in 6 IPs and 6 OPs; RNA sequencing, RNA expression and DNA methylation in 13 Cs, 17 IPs and 17 OPs
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
The timing of antenatal glucocorticoids determines the receptor sensitivity in preterm infants. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 15 February 2026. doi:10.
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