[Influence of antenatal steroid therapy on newborn nervous system].
OBJECTIVE
Analysis of the impact of prenatal glucocorticoids on the neurological outcome of a newborn.


METHODS
The authors reviewed the most current reports concerning the influence of antenatal steroid therapy (used to accelerate of fetal lung maturation) on neonates. In the study we discussed the influence of steroid therapy on growth and development of the brain, as well as the occurrence rate of the most common neurological abnormalities, such as: intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia.


METHODS
Recent literature review.


RESULTS
We believe that use of antenatal corticosteroids remains a major factor in reducing neonatal mortality. Treatment with one course of betamethasone, as we know at the present time, is completely safe for a newborn's nervous system. Many courses of antenatal steroids may decrease fetal brain growth. Antenatal steroid therapy reduced the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants. Use of betamethasone, but probably not dexamethasone, in antenatal therapy reduced the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia in extremely low weight infants.


CONCLUSIONS
According to recent studies regarding probable unfavourable role of dexamethasone in neonatal neurological development we are of opinion that dexamethasone should be replaced by betamethasone in therapy of imminent preterm labour.
D001623:Betamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007969:Leukomalacia, Periventricular / Q000139:chemically induced; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000517:prevention & control
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D001623:Betamethasone
Wpływ steroidoterapii prenatalnej na stan układu nerwowego noworodka.