Hormones for suspected impaired fetal growth.
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 (1 November 2002).


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.
Say
L
L
Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva 27, Switzerland. sayl@who.int
Gülmezoglu
A M
AM
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
D006728:Hormones