Associate Professor
Ph.D.,2011, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Academic Department(s)
Pharmacology
Research Area
Neonatal Clinical Outcomes from Mothers with Preeclampsia: An Association with Antenatal Corticosteroids
Research Interest
Background: Preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, frequently associated with premature delivery, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal hematologic complications, including thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Although antenatal corticosteroids, particularly betamethasone and dexamethasone, are routinely administered to accelerate fetal maturation and reduce complications associated with prematurity, their potential association with neonatal hematologic abnormalities among infants born to mothers with preeclampsia remains insufficiently characterized, particularly in Puerto Rico.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between antenatal corticosteroid administration and the occurrence and severity of thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia in neonates born to mothers diagnosed with preeclampsia. The study will also evaluate whether corticosteroid type, dosage, and administration frequency are associated with differences in neonatal hematologic outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective, observational cohort study is proposed using maternal and neonatal medical records from the Grupo Hospitalario Manatí, Mayagüez y Bayamón Medical Center of Puerto Rico, a hospital consortium collaborating with the Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC) School of Medicine. Medical records from 2016 through 2025 will be reviewed to identify neonates born to mothers with a discharge diagnosis of preeclampsia. Neonatal outcomes will be compared between pregnancies exposed and unexposed to antenatal corticosteroids. Primary outcomes will include neonatal platelet counts, absolute neutrophil counts, and the occurrence and severity of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Relevant maternal and neonatal characteristics will also be examined to assess potential confounding factors.
Expected Significance: The study is expected to generate clinically relevant evidence regarding the relationship between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and neonatal hematologic complications in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia.Findings may contribute to the identification of risk factors, inform future maternal–neonatal management strategies, and support the development of a risk-assessment algorithm. Furthermore, facilitating supervised medical student access to clinical data will strengthen research collaboration between the UCC School of Medicine and its affiliated hospital consortium while advancing undergraduate medical research education in Puerto Rico.
Availability for Students
Yes
Contact Information
Universidad Central del Caribe
P.O. Box 60327
Bayamón, PR 00960-6032
Tel.: (787) 798-3001 x2048
e-mail: jose.torres@uccaribe.edu