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In utero thyroxine therapy for the induction of fetal lung maturity: long term effects
G Barkai1, Y Zarfin, M Ben-Harari
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Insights
Intra-amniotic thyroxine (IAT) for fetal lung maturity showed no significant long-term negative effects in preschool children. This study evaluated developmental outcomes in children exposed to IAT in utero.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Intra-amniotic thyroxine (IAT) administration is a method explored for inducing fetal lung maturity.
- Understanding the long-term safety profile of IAT is crucial for its clinical application.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the developmental outcomes in children exposed to IAT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term effects of intra-amniotic thyroxine therapy on preschool-aged children.
- To evaluate neurological and psychomotor development in children whose mothers received IAT during the last trimester of gestation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of eighteen preschool children (5-6 years old) exposed to intra-amniotic thyroxine in utero was studied.
- Eleven children from the same period, without IAT exposure, served as a control group.
- Clinical assessment, neurological evaluation, and psychomotor development assessments were performed.
Main Results:
- All evaluated children, both treated and control, were clinically healthy.
- No significant growth or endocrine abnormalities were observed in the IAT-exposed group.
- Neurological assessments and psychomotor development were within normal ranges and did not differ between groups.
Conclusions:
- Intra-amniotic thyroxine administered during the third trimester of pregnancy did not demonstrate significant long-term detrimental effects.
- The findings suggest that IAT is a potentially safe intervention regarding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
Abstract:
Intra-amniotic thyroxine has been used for the induction of fetal lung maturity. The long term effects of this therapy was evaluated in a group of eighteen preschool children, 5 to 6 years of age, whose mothers received intra-amniotic thyroxine during the last trimester of their gestation. Eleven children born during the same time period were selected as controls. The children were all clinically well with no evidence of growth or endocrine abnormalities. Neurological assessment was normal and psychomotor development was in the normal range for our population and did not differ from the control subjects. Intra-amniotic thyroxine administered during the last trimester of gestation did not appear to have any significant long term detrimental effects in the treated patients.