Abstract
The available data unambiguously support the beneficial, short-term fetal effects of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk for preterm delivery. There are still several incompletely addressed questions, including the use of corticosteroids in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, the optimal corticosteroid preparation to be used, and the impact of repeated dosing. These issues are discussed in this review from the perspective of recent scientific evidence on the mechanisms responsible for positive short-term effects on survival and possible harmful long-term effects.
MeSH terms
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology*
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Betamethasone / administration & dosage
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Betamethasone / pharmacology
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Consensus Development Conferences, NIH as Topic
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Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
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Dexamethasone / pharmacology
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Female
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Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / complications*
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Fetal Organ Maturity / drug effects*
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Gestational Age
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Humans
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Obstetric Labor, Premature / etiology*
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Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control*
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Outcome
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United States
Substances
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Adrenal Cortex Hormones
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Dexamethasone
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Betamethasone