Effect of corticosteroids for fetal maturation on perinatal outcomes
Article Abstract:
Prenatal administration of corticosteroids for infants at high risk for premature birth appears to significantly reduce the risk of some complications. Corticosteroids are hormones that influence or regulate several bodily systems including the cardiovascular and the skeletal-muscle systems. A National Institutes of Health panel reviewed available research on the use of corticosteroids in infants at risk for premature birth. Betamethasone and dexamethasone are the corticosteroids most commonly recommended for treatment. Several studies indicated that complications such as respiratory distress syndrome and intraventricular hemorrhage appear to be prevented by prenatal corticosteroid administration. The usual dose of betamethasone and dexamethasone is 24 milligrams given intramuscularly over 48 hours. No long-term side effects have been noted in infants treated prenatally. Pulmonary edema may occur in the mother if corticosteroids are given in combination with tocolytic agents.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Pregnancy Outcome Following Gestational Exposure to Organic Solvents
Article Abstract:
Exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy can lead to fetal malformations. Researchers analyzed the rate of fetal malformations in 125 pregnant women exposed to organic solvents and 125 pregnant women who were not. The organic solvents most commonly involved were aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, trichloroethylene, xylene, vinyl chloride, acetone, and related compounds. Thirteen major fetal malformations and five minor malformations occurred in the women exposed to solvents compared to one of each in the women not exposed to solvents. All of the major malformations occurred in women who had symptoms of solvent exposure.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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