title: Guideline for the use of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal maturation.
abstract: The aim is to present a document, which is based on current evidence and serves as a guideline for use in clinical practice. The following questions are addressed: Is the use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) an effective therapy? Who are the candidates for antenatal corticosteroid therapy? Is there benefit after 34 weeks' gestation? When is the optimal time to treat? Which are the optimal steroids; what is the ideal dose and route of administration? Are there any contraindications to the administration of ACS? Are antenatal corticosteroids indicated in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM)? Is the use of ACS recommended in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes mellitus? Should the treatment with corticosteroids be repeated?
authors.affiliation: Neonatology Service, Hospital Clinic, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia I Neonatologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. xmiracle@ya.com
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Miracle
authors.forename: Gian Carlo
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Di Renzo
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stark
authors.forename: Avroy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fanaroff
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Carbonell-Estrany
authors.forename: Erich
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saling
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000188:drug therapy; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001623:Betamethasone