J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Jan;40(2):e80. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e80.

Real-World Utilization Patterns of Oral Corticosteroids During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Korea

• Oh J
• Cho Y
• Han JY
• Choi A
• Shin JY

• KMID: 2564218
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e80

Abstract

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used during pregnancy, but patterns of their usage and indications are understudied. We described OCS utilization among pregnant women in South Korea using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database, 2010–2021. Among 4,574,294 pregnancies, 6.2% (n = 283,001) were exposed to OCS, with the annual prevalence increasing from 4.98% in 2010 to 6.65% in 2021. Methylprednisolone and prednisolone accounted for 90% of OCS use during pregnancy, and the median duration of prescriptions was four days. Respiratory and skin diseases were the most common indications, and prescriptions for pregnancy-associated conditions increased notably after 2017, coinciding with insurance coverage for infertility treatments. OCS prescriptions declined during the first trimester and increased near delivery, suggesting discontinuation upon pregnancy recognition. Our findings highlight the common and increasing use of OCS during pregnancy, mainly for acute conditions, underscoring the need for further research on their safety in pregnant populations.

Keyword

Oral Corticosteroids; Pregnancy; Drug Utilization

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Trends of OCS prescriptions in pregnant women. Temporal trends in OCS prescription during pregnancy (A) and prescription patterns before, during and after pregnancy (B).OCS = oral corticosteroids, LMP = last menstrual period.aOther OCS include deflazacort, hydrocortisone and triamcinolone.

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  Fig. 2 Indications of OCS prescriptions in pregnant women. Temporal trends in indications of OCS during pregnancy (A) and OCS indications according to timing of exposure (B).OCS = oral corticosteroids.

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