Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

13.5K

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy: Historical and scientific basis to improve preterm birth management

Carlos Briceño-Pérez1, Eduardo Reyna-Villasmil2, Paulino Vigil-De-Gracia3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|January 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) therapy significantly reduces complications and mortality in premature infants. This evidence-based practice is recommended for women delivering before 34 weeks gestation.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) therapy has a well-established historical and scientific foundation.
  • Initiated in 1972, its efficacy has been consistently supported by meta-analyses and consensus conferences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical and scientific basis of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) therapy.
  • To highlight its role in improving the management of preterm birth and reducing infant complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Library.
  • Utilized keywords such as "ACS", "corticosteroids", "betamethasone", "dexamethasone", and "preterm birth".

Main Results:

  • ACS therapy is a crucial evidence-based practice for reducing mortality and complications in premature infants.
  • Established benefits include decreased rates of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Conclusions:

  • ACS treatment is unequivocally recommended for women delivering before 34 weeks gestation.
  • Rescue courses are advised, but multiple, serial, or weekly courses are not.
  • ACS is recommended in specific conditions like preterm premature rupture of membranes, multiple pregnancies, severe preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome, and fetal growth restriction.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antenatal corticosteroidsBetamethasoneDexamethasoneFetal lung maturationTherapy

More Related Videos

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

518
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol19:32

Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol

Published on: February 18, 2012

29.0K

Related Concept Videos

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
811
The Scientific Method03:50

The Scientific Method

Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion. 
66.1K
The Scientific Method01:32

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
265.4K
The Scientific Method02:40

The Scientific Method

Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.
65.1K
Scientific Laws and Theories02:31

Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific Laws
88.1K
Birth Control Methods01:22

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although...
6.7K