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Published on: January 12, 2018
Antenatal corticosteroids for fetal maturation in women at risk for preterm delivery
Alex C Vidaeff1, Nora M Doyle, Larry C Gilstrap
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Suite 3.604 Houston, TX 77030, USA. Alex.C.Vidaeff@uth.tmc.edu
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.
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.
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