Sex-specific and lasting effects of a single course of antenatal betamethasone treatment on human placental 11β-HSD2

A single course of BET alters placental glucocorticoid metabolism in a sex-specific manner. Decreased 11β-HSD2 levels in term born females may lead to an increased placental transfer of maternal cortisol and therefore result in a reduced head circumference and a higher risk for altered stress response in adulthood. Further research is needed to conclude the significance of increased 11β-HSD2 levels in males.