[Experimental and clinical results of fetal lung maturity treatment]

We investigated the effectiveness of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy for prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). 637 cases, born before 35 + 6 compl. weeks of gestation, birth weight 2500 g, were analysed retrospectively. No clear results could be obtained at the first attempt. Further subgrouping revealed those premature babies, who had a benefit of antenatal corticoid therapy. Eutrophic babies, born before 32 + 6 weeks of gestation developed RDS in 27% after steroid treatment, 52% if no therapy could be applied. Some other obstetrical factors play a role in the development of RDS: low 1'- and 5'-Apgar scores, premature rupture of membranes 24 h prior to delivery, mode of delivery and sex of the newborn. Following steroid therapy severe states of RDS occurred less frequently. Studies about alternatives to steroid therapy are still in an experimental stage but are quite promising in the future.