title: [Prenatal dexametasone and periventricular leucomalacia in prematures].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prematurity is observed in 5-8% of deliveries, and is frequent cause of handicap. Premature have 5-24% risk for developing periventricular leukomalacia (PLM). The use of antenatal steroids (AS) is controversial for preventing PLM.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 110 premature neonates < 1500 g, divided in 2 groups: control (group 1, n = 55), and group 2 (n = 55) who received antenatal dexamethasone. We registered clinical data, evolution and use of oxygen or mechanical ventilation. At one month age a transfontanelar ultrasound was done looking specific PLM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In group 1, found 6/55 (10.9%) with PLM and 3/55 (5.4%) in group 2, RR = 0.5, CI 95% (0.13-1.90). In group 1: 30/55 (54.54%) the ultrasound was normal; in 16 (29%) had intraventricular haemorrhage, and in 3 cases (5.45%) had severe hydrocephalus. In group 2: 32/55 (58.18%) ultrasound was normal, 16/55 (29%) had intraventricular haemorrhage, 4/55 (7.27%) had severe hydrocephalus. We did not find significant difference between other variables in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no significant difference in PLM incidence between patients who did or did not received antenatal dexamethasone.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neonatología, Hospital de Gineco-obstetricia 23, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
authors.forename: Cindy Viviana
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Veloz-Serrano
authors.forename: Ricardo Jorge
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hernández-Herrera
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: García-Quintanilla
mesh_terms: D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D046128:Fetal Therapies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007969:Leukomalacia, Periventricular / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone