ANTENATAL CORTICOSTEROIDS FOR FETAL MATURATION

Abstract

Corticosteroid treatment of pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery enhances fetal lung maturity and improves neonatal outcomes(1). Despite convincing evidence of these effects, a consensus has not been reached about the indications for antenatal steroids, and the frequency with which they are used remains low in some countries(2). The use of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal maturation is a rare example of technology that yields substantial cost in addition to improving health. Because of these reasons, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Conference on the Effect of Corticosteroids for Fetal Maturation on Perinatal Outcomes held in March 1994; reviewed the scientific basis for the use of corticosteroids (CS), short-term and long-term potential benefits of the medications, adverse effects for the infants and mother, dosage, timing and circumstances of administration, and associated therapy on treatment outcome (3).
In this article, we review the evidence supporting the benefits of CS, controversial issues concerning their use, and current practice recommendations.

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