Research results from T.J. Garite and co-authors update knowledge of corticosteroid.

According to recent research from the United States, "Previous studies using repetitive courses of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) have demonstrated marginal or no benefit and concern over potential risk. No prior prospective or randomized studies have evaluated the option of a single rescue course of ACS on neonatal outcome."

"A multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed from May 2003 through February 2008 in 18 private (15) and university (3) medical centers. Patients with singletons or twins <33 weeks who had completed a single course of ACS before 30 weeks and at least 14 days before inclusion, and were judged to have a recurring threat of preterm delivery in the coming week, were included. Patients were randomized to receive a single rescue course of betamethasone, 2 12-mg doses 24 hours apart, or placebo. Exclusion criteria included: premature rupture of membranes, advanced dilation (> 5 cm), chorioamnionitis, and other steroid use. In all, 437 patients were randomized (223 rescue steroid group and 214 placebo group). A total of 55% of patients in each group delivered at

The researchers concluded: "Administration of a single rescue course of ACS before 33 weeks improves neonatal outcome without apparent increased short-term risk."

Garite and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Impact of a 'rescue course' of antenatal corticosteroids: a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2009;200(3):E1).

For additional information, contact T.J. Garite, Pediatrics Med Group, Sunrise, FL, USA.

Publisher contact information for the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology is: Mosby-Elsevier, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.

Keywords: United States, Sunrise, Betamethasone, Chorioamnionitis, ...