Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3974333 | Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine | 2009 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
SummaryAntenatal corticosteroid therapy to enhance fetal lung maturity in threatened preterm delivery has a number of non-pulmonary side-effects, both beneficial and undesirable. This review focuses on the short-term (transient) effects of betamethasone and dexamethasone on aspects of fetal circulation and behaviour which are used clinically as markers of fetal well-being. We summarise the effects observed, discuss the proposed underlying mechanisms, and emphasise the consequences for clinical decision-making. Recommendations are given to optimise medical care and to minimise the risk of unwarranted iatrogenic preterm delivery.
Keywords
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Authors
E.J.H. Mulder, R. de Heus, G.H.A. Visser,