Which corticosteroids are used to promote fetal lung maturation in threatened preterm birth?

Which corticosteroids are used to promote fetal lung maturation in threatened preterm birth?

• A. Betamethasone or dexamethasone.
• B. Prednisolone.
• C. Hydrocortisone.
• D. Methylprednisolone.

Answer: (A)

Antental corticosteroids are given when preterm birth is threatened to speed up the baby’s lung maturity by increasing surfactant production and accelerating the development of the alveolar system. The agents used for this purpose are betamethasone or dexamethasone because they cross the placenta effectively and trigger the fetal lungs to produce surfactant and mature more quickly. Betamethasone is typically given as 12 mg IM in two doses 24 hours apart, while dexamethasone is given as 6 mg IM every 12 hours for four doses. Other steroids like prednisolone, hydrocortisone, or methylprednisolone don’t provide the same proven benefit for fetal lung maturation because they have less placental transfer or are not as effective at inducing the fetal surfactant system. These regimens are most beneficial when administered before delivery, ideally within the window where they can most reduce respiratory complications in the newborn.

Antental corticosteroids are given when preterm birth is threatened to speed up the baby’s lung maturity by increasing surfactant production and accelerating the development of the alveolar system. The agents used for this purpose are betamethasone or dexamethasone because they cross the placenta effectively and trigger the fetal lungs to produce surfactant and mature more quickly. Betamethasone is typically given as 12 mg IM in two doses 24 hours apart, while dexamethasone is given as 6 mg IM every 12 hours for four doses. Other steroids like prednisolone, hydrocortisone, or methylprednisolone don’t provide the same proven benefit for fetal lung maturation because they have less placental transfer or are not as effective at inducing the fetal surfactant system. These regimens are most beneficial when administered before delivery, ideally within the window where they can most reduce respiratory complications in the newborn.