Late preterm and term corticosteroids: impacts on neonatal glycaemia and childhood health and wellbeing

This project will explore aspects of corticosteroid use before late preterm and term planned caesarean section birth. These may include a systematic review of recent evidence on short- and long-term outcomes, and on the relationships between the timing of doses, gestational age, neonatal hypoglycaemia, and infant outcomes.

Corticosteroid injections given to mothers before preterm birth reduce respiratory distress, perinatal death and other adverse infant outcomes. Their use is recommended as the global standard of care before early preterm birth (≤34 weeks gestation). There is increasing evidence to suggest that corticosteroid injections given at late preterm gestations (35-36 weeks) and before planned caesarean section birth at term also reduce newborn breathing problems. However, there is concern about potential short- and longer-term adverse effects, with little evidence to guide clinical practice. Of particular concern, corticosteroids may increase the chance of low blood sugars (neonatal hypoglycaemia), a condition that has been associated with later developmental delay.

The C*STEROID trial is a large multi-centre, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III randomised trial that will provide high-quality evidence on the benefits and potential harm of corticosteroid use before a planned caesarean section birth at 35+0 - 39+6 weeks gestation. It also creates a unique cohort to assess any longer-term impact in childhood. This project will use C*STEROID data to undertake a detailed examination of the impact of corticosteroids on neonatal glycaemic control and will gain further evidence to enable longer-term C*STEROID follow-up studies.

• To assess the impact of gestational age and the timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration prior to late preterm and term planned caesarean section birth on the incidence and severity of neonatal hypoglycaemia

• To synthesise current evidence of the impact of antenatal corticosteroids at late preterm and term gestations and after planned caesarean section on offspring outcomes beyond infancy
  

Candidates must meet the entry criteria for a doctoral degree at the University of Auckland.

Candidates should have an interest and experience in pregnancy, mother, baby or young children’s health and/or research synthesis. Clinician experience is preferred, including in obstetrics, midwifery, neonatology, paediatrics and childhood development.

PhD, DMedSc (Doctor of Medical Science), Research Masters

Any student who is offered a place in a doctoral programme will be considered for a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship. In 2026, three University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships will be available for students undertaking their Doctoral studies at The Liggins Institute. There may be philanthropic funding available to support you if you don’t meet the criteria for a University of Auckland scholarship.

Closing date: 31 March 2026