Reduction or cessation of fetal movements after steroid administration for enhancement of lung maturation. II: Analysis of blood flow velocimetry.
Reduction or cessation of fetal movements after intra-uterine exposure to pharmacological doses of steroids administered for enhancement of lung maturation has been previously reported. In the present study fetal activity and umbilical and uterine blood flow velocimetry in 18 pregnant patients receiving steroids were evaluated by ultrasonography. Measurements were done before, during and after steroid exposure in an attempt to clarify the possible pathophysiology of this peculiar change in intra-uterine fetal behavior. Even in cases in which mothers ceased to perceive fetal movements, on real-time sonography fetal activity was observed. The possible explanation for this phenomenon may be the influence of large doses of steroids that affected skeletal muscular activity. No changes in blood flow velocimetry in both uterine and umbilical arteries were observed throughout the study period, thereby indicating that the changes in fetal movements did not result from an altered blood supply.
Meizner
I
I
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Katz
M
M
Holcberg
G
G
Insler
V
V
D001623:Betamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000502:physiology*; D005324:Fetal Movement / Q000187:drug effects*; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000187:drug effects; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D001623:Betamethasone