The Effect of Antenatal Steroids on Fetal Lung Maturation between the 34th and 36th Week of Pregnancy

Aim: To evaluate the effect of antenatal treatment with a single dose of betamethasone between the 34th and the 36th week of pregnancy on the maturation of fetal lung. Methods: To study 100 pregnant women in their 34th-36th week of pregnancy who were diagnosed as susceptible to have preterm delivery. Fifty patients did not receive betamethasone (group 1). The other 50 patients were administered 12 mg betamethasone in a single dose (group 2). Patients who delivered at least 24 h after the administration of betamethasone were included in this study. After delivery, the Apgar score and the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the neonates were compared. Results: Group 2 babies had better Apgar scores when compared to group 1, and the difference was statistically significant. Sixteen (32%) neonates of group 1 and 7 (14%) neonates of group 2 required resuscitation, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.032; OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.93). RDS was detected in 8 newborns of group 1 and 2 of group 2. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.046; OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.04-1.08). Conclusion: The administration of a single dose of betamethasone to pregnant women in their 34th-36th week of pregnancy who are likely to have preterm delivery reduces RDS development. There is a need for larger studies to confirm these results. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel