Different corticosteroids and regimens for accelerating fetal lung maturation for women at risk of preterm birth

摘要

Background: Despite the widespread use of antenatal corticosteroids to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants, there is currently no consensus as to the type of corticosteroid to use; nor the dose, frequency, timing of use or the route of administration. Objectives: To assess the effects of different corticosteroid regimens for women at risk of preterm birth. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (13 February 2013). Selection criteria: All identified published and unpublished randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised control trials comparing any two corticosteroids (dexamethasone or betamethasone or any other corticosteroid that can cross the placenta), comparing different dose regimens (including frequency and timing of administration) in women at risk of preterm birth were included. We planned to exclude cross-over trials and cluster-randomised trials. We included studies published as abstracts only along with studies published as full-text manuscripts