Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2025

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Commentary: Antenatal corticosteroid prophylaxis in late preterms- short- and long-term effects and many open
Viktoria Jost1, Herbert Fluhr1, Hanns Helmer2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Obstetrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Insights
Antenatal corticosteroids aid fetal lung maturation. Recent studies examine their use in late preterm infants (34-36 weeks), evaluating benefits and risks for this debated treatment.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are standard for fetal lung maturation before 34 weeks.
- Use of ACS in the late preterm period (34-36 weeks) remains controversial.
- Recent research investigates the efficacy and safety of ACS in this gestational window.
Abstract:
Antenatal corticosteroids are a well-established treatment for fetal lung maturation before 34 + 0 weeks of gestation. The administration of dexamethasone and betamethasone in late preterm - between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation - is still highly debated and subject of recent research. This topic was recently addressed by a retrospective observational cohort study aiming to investigate the benefits, short- and long-term risks of the application of antenatal corticosteroids in the late preterm phase. This commentary will discuss the main findings of the article and its implications for further research.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma 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...
Upper 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...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Teratogenicity
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Antiasthma 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...

