An obstetric team is managing anticipated preterm delivery at 30 weeks gestation. Antenatal corticosteroids have been completed. Which additional antenatal intervention reduces the risk of severe cerebral palsy in this infant?

• A Antenatal phenobarbital
• B Maternal vitamin K administration
• C Antenatal indomethacin
• D Magnesium sulfate given before delivery ✓

Explanation

Antenatal magnesium sulfate administered to women delivering before 32 weeks gestation significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction in surviving infants, and is recommended alongside corticosteroids. The proposed mechanisms include fetal neuroprotection against hypoxic injury and reduced cerebral vascular instability. Indomethacin increases the risk of IVH and necrotizing enterocolitis, and neither phenobarbital nor maternal vitamin K has shown neuroprotective benefit.

Reference: Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.