04Apr2025D A new research project aimed at making antenatal steroid treatments safer and more effective for preterm babies has received a ... A new research project aimed at making antenatal steroid treatments safer and more effective for preterm babies has received a Telethon grant. The project, led by Dr Haruo Usuda (pictured) from the Women and Infants Research Foundation, hopes to change how doctors give antenatal steroid treatment to mothers at risk of preterm births, potentially saving more babies and improving their health. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death and disability in children under five, with up to 10 per cent of babies born prematurely in Western Australia. Antenatal steroid therapy, given to mothers to help their babies’ lungs develop, is an important part of care for these pregnancies. However, the project’s research team has found that the current method - injecting high doses of steroids into the mother - is less effective at helping the baby’s lungs mature and may increase the risk of brain problems, compared to a constant, low-dose exposure given intravenously. In response, they are investigating how constant, low doses of the steroid betamethasone could reduce risks and improve lung development for preterm babies. Dr Usuda said that a safer and more effective treatment method could make a big difference for preterm babies, who often face lifelong health challenges such as lung and brain problems. “We want to make sure that babies born early have the best chance at a healthy life,” he said. “If we can use a safer and more effective method to deliver steroids, it could help babies avoid some of the health problems they face after birth.” The long-term goal of the research is to develop a new treatment method that becomes the standard for mothers at risk of preterm birth, not just in Western Australia but around the world. The Women and Infants Research Foundation is one of Australia’s premier medical research institutes, dedicated to advancing the health and wellbeing of women and babies. The Foundation is proud to be a beneficiary of this funding and thanks the Channel 7 Telethon Trust for their ongoing support of life-changing research. For close to 50 years, the Women and Infants Research Foundation has contributed to significant advancements in clinical practices and better health outcomes for women and babies across Australia and beyond. SHARE < Back To Listing