Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
Antenatal corticosteroids in COVID-19 perspective.
Alex C Vidaeff1, Kjersti M Aagaard2, Michael A Belfort2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States. vidaeff@bcm.edu.
Antenatal corticosteroids like dexamethasone may benefit hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but their use for fetal maturation in pregnant women with COVID-19 requires careful patient selection based on disease severity to avoid potential harm.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates adjustments in obstetrical care.
- Dexamethasone has shown efficacy in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the use of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal maturation in pregnant women with COVID-19.
- To evaluate the risks and benefits of dexamethasone based on disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent high-quality evidence on dexamethasone treatment for COVID-19.
- Analysis of randomized disease outcome data correlating treatment with disease stage.
Main Results:
- Dexamethasone benefits hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe disease.
- Patients with mild COVID-19 may not benefit and could experience harm from dexamethasone.
- Indiscriminate use of corticosteroids for fetal maturation is not advised.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal corticosteroid administration for fetal maturation in COVID-19 positive pregnant women should be guided by disease severity.
- Risk stratification and careful candidate selection are crucial for optimizing obstetrical care during the pandemic.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...