Glucocorticoids in prevention of respiratory distress syndrome

Hosp Pract. 1980 Sep;15(9):81-7. doi: 10.1080/21548331.1980.11946657.

Abstract

Low doses of the synthetic steroid betamethasone can be effective in preventing neonatal RDS. Administration during the 48 hours immediately before delivery of infants between the 26th and 34th weeks of gestation is optimally effective. The article provides guidelines for this approach, describes its hazards, and discusses possible ways by which glucocorticoids prevent neonatal RDS.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Fluid / analysis
  • Betamethasone / adverse effects
  • Betamethasone / therapeutic use*
  • Birth Weight
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Fetal Organ Maturity / drug effects
  • Glucocorticoids / blood
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / analysis
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Labor, Obstetric
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Lung / embryology
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / metabolism
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Betamethasone
  • Hydrocortisone