Prior to the NIH Consensus Development Conference (CDC) 3/28/94, less than 20% of VLBW infants received antenatal steroids (ANS). The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of the CDC on obstetric opinion/use of ANS. Self-reported practice/attitudes/knowledge was examined in 3 groups of obstetricians (OBs): pre-post random samples of general OBs (n = 516, 354); all members of the Society of Perinatal Obstetricians (SPO) (n = 519, 500), and all OBs at NICHD Neonatal Network sites (NICU, n = 106, 129). Surveys were returned by 85% of eligible respondents. Pre-post CDC responses are listed below: Table There were also substantial changes in the conditions considered to be contraindications to ANS use and the duration of treatment considered necessary for ANS efficacy in all 3 OB groups.

Table 1
Full size table

We conclude that the CDC changed OB opinion concerning the benefits, contraindications, and appropriate clinical conditions under which to administer ANS, as well as achieving an increase in reported use. Despite these changes, there are still inconsistencies in knowledge base and practice among OBs.