[Dexamethasone for prophylaxis against respiratory distress syndrome - progress report (author's transl)]

Reported in this paper is experience obtained from antenatal RDS prophylaxis, using 4 mg of dexamethasone, on three consecutive days. Treatment was applied to 202 premature newborns, and these were compared with 252 untreated controls born on same term. Good success with statistical significance was recordable only from comparison between the two complete groups. - The mother's situations quite often were complicated by outbreak of infections in the wake of obstetric intervention for premature rupture of the amniotic sac. In view of the partial success of dexamethasone prophylaxis and with no alternative to glucocorticoid treatment so far available, continuation of RDS prophylaxis, using dexamethasone, is recommended, however, with strictest observance of contraindications and with higher doses.