The study showed that pre-term babies whose mothers received antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) on average weighed 220 grams less than infants who had not received treatment.
The weight difference was 141 grams for near term babies and 89 grams for full-term babies.
In addition, babies who received ACT but delivered at term were also smaller in size when matched against babies born at term without the treatment.
"We have known from animal studies that steroid treatment could affect foetal growth. It is still unclear whether the reduction in birth weight of the treated infants is directly caused by the drug or due to the complications that led to the treatment," said Professor Alina Rodriguez from the University of Lincoln.
"This study adds weight to calls for a review of the current guidelines for management of threatened pre-term birth and for who should receive steroid treatment," Rodriguez added.
For the study, the team used data from 2,78,508 births to see if the link between reduced birth weight and size was related to the steroid treatment or to other factors.
The findings, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, showed that more than four per cent of children were born pre-term (before 37 weeks).
A total of 4,887 women were given ACT, and 2,173 exposed babies were born at term (37 weeks).
The fact that this treatment may reduce the foetal growth should be considered in future research and recommendations, suggested Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin, Professor from the varsity.
Worldwide, about 1.5 million babies are born premature annually.
Complications resulting from premature birth, especially those related to breathing problems, are the leading cause of death in infants and morbidity in survivors. Therefore, ACT is used before birth to help mature the lungs rapidly.
The findings showed that men using anabolic steroids (synthetic variations of testosterone) to improve strength and physical performance are often aware of the side effects but choose to continue taking them.
This raises serious concerns not only for their own health but that of future generations, since side effects are known to damage sperm as well as increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, heart disease and liver damage.
"These findings were surprising, not only was the prevalence of steroid abuse high, knowledge of the damaging side effects was also high, yet this does not stop them taking them," said Dr Mykola Lykhonosov from Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University in Russia.
For the study, Dr Lykhonosov and colleagues conducted an anonymous survey of men who regularly attend the gym, to assess their knowledge of, use of and attitude towards the health risks of anabolic steroids.
Of 550 respondents, 30.4 per cent said they used steroids, 74.3 per cent of users were aged 22-35 years old and 70.2 per cent of users said they were aware of the side effects.
In addition, 54.8 per cent of all respondents indicated that they would like to receive more expert information on steroids and their side effects.
"We need to tackle this growing public health problem, increasing awareness through the promotion of stories from former users, on how steroid abuse has negatively impacted on their health and lives, could be a good strong message to discourage abuse," said Dr Lykhonosov.
Anabolic steroids such as testosterone are performance-enhancing hormones that increase muscle mass and boost athletic ability, which has led to their misuse and abuse by some, and men in particular.
The findings were set to be presented at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting "ECE 2019" in Lyon, France.
"It has been observed by experts here at PGIMER that indiscriminate use of steroids in mild or initial stages of COVID disease can exaggerate the infection and may increase the severity of the disease," it said.
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The institute also cautioned over the use of steroids only under clinical watch. The institute said that its experts had recommended not to use steroids for patients who do not require oxygen therapy.
"They (steroids) should not be used indiscriminately and without any valid indication," it said.
"Steroids should be started in COVID patients only when they require oxygen therapy and that also preferably after admission to the hospital under the supervision of an experienced physician," the institute cautioned.
However, the statement by PGIMER is more of an advisory than observation. As per Prof G.D. Puri, Dean Academics & Head Deptt of Anesthesia & Intensive Care, the institute had arrived at the observation largely on the basis of an already published study. "No study was conducted by us (PGIMER). We have stated our observation regarding the use of steroids based on an already published research," he told IANS.
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Meanwhile, the premier institute also cited 'Recovery Trial', the study of Dexamethasone, a steroid, conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) in March, to reinforce their observation. "Even the 'Recovery Trial' published from England has shown that steroids given in early stages of COVID-19, i.e. when a patient does not require oxygen, can increase the mortality and morbidity of the COVID patients. Hence, it is advisable not to use these drugs," the institute stated.
(IANS)