title: Hormones for suspected impaired fetal growth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has been suggested that oestrogens may improve fetal growth due to an increase in nutritional supply to the fetus from greater uterine blood flow.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this review was to assess the effects of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth and perinatal outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: 22 December 1999.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acceptably controlled trials of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth which report fetal, perinatal or maternal outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eligibility and trial quality were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No studies were included since none of the potentially relevant trials reported clinical outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is not enough evidence to evaluate the clinical use of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth.
authors.affiliation: Special Department of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank, World Health Organisation, Geneva 27, Switzerland, CH-1211. gulmezoglum@who.ch
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gülmezoglu
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Hofmeyr
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones