title: Use of beta-methasone in management of preterm gestation with premature rupture of membranes.
abstract: Use of corticosteroids in the management of rupture of the membranes in a preterm gestation was evaluated. Ninety-three mothers (105 infants) received beta-methasone, whereas 105 mothers (112 infants) did not. The incidence of significant neonatal respiratory complications was statistically higher for beta-methasone-treated (26.6%) compared with non-treated patients (11.1%) who delivered more than 48 hours after rupture of membranes. Neonatal septic complications also were significantly higher in treated (21.3%) than in nontreated (9.2%) patients delivered 48 hours after rupture of membranes. Maternal sepsis was not statistically different between the two groups. In the nonsteroid-treated patients, the incidence of significant respiratory distress syndrome was greater for those infants delivered within 48 hours (31.0%) than those delivered more than 48 hours (11.1%) from rupture of membranes. The data support conservative management and indicate that corticosteroid administration in a preterm gestation with rupture of membranes is not beneficial to the newborn.
mesh_terms: D001623:Betamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000187:drug effects*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D001623:Betamethasone