title: Preparing the fetus for preterm birth.
abstract: Optimum perinatal outcome is only achieved by the prevention of premature birth. When preterm delivery is unavoidable, antenatal pharmacologic therapy will result in a reduction in the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality, mainly respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), BPD, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and sepsis. These treatments combined with meticulous intrapartum management will result in significant improvements in the neonatal and long-term outcome in the premature baby.
authors.affiliation: Perinatal Center, Orlando, Florida 32806.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Morales
mesh_terms: D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014812:Vitamin K; D010634:Phenobarbital