Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone-phosphate (Dex-PO4) and the combination betamethasone-phosphate (Beta-PO4) + betamethasone-acetate (Beta-Ac) are the most used antenatal corticosteroids to promote fetal lung maturation. We compared fetal lung maturation induced by Beta-Ac+Beta-PO4, Dex-PO4, or Beta-PO4 alone.
METHODS: Pregnant ewes received two intramuscular doses 24 h apart of 0.25 mg/kg/dose of Beta-Ac+Beta-PO4, Dex-PO4 or Beta-PO4; or 2 doses of 0.125 mg/kg/dose of Beta-PO4 at 6, 12, or 24h intervals. Fetuses were delivered 48 h after the first dose and ventilated for 30 min. We assessed ventilatory variables, vital signs, and blood gas. After ventilation pressure-volume curves were measured and lungs were sampled for analysis.
RESULTS: All treatments improved lung compliance and ventilation efficiency. Only Beta-Ac + Beta-PO4 required lower positive inspiratory pressure compared with control. Beta-Ac + Beta-PO4, and Beta-PO4, alone, but not Dex-PO4, increased the mRNA of surfactant proteins compared with control. Low-dose Beta-PO4 did not increase mRNA of surfactant proteins. There were no differences among Beta-PO4, treatment intervals.
CONCLUSION: Beta-Ac + Beta-PO4 given as two doses 24 h apart was more effective in promoting fetal lung maturation than Dex-PO4 or Beta-PO4 alone, consistent with a prolonged exposure provided by the Beta-Ac + Beta-PO4. These results support the clinical use of combined Beta-Ac + Beta-PO4, preparations over phosphate corticosteroids alone for fetal lung maturation.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 496-503 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Pediatric Research |
Volume | 81 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2017 |
Keywords
- RANDOMIZED-TRIAL
- PRETERM BIRTH
- CORTICOSTEROIDS
- LAMBS
- WOMEN
- RISK