Effect of Betamethasone on Fetal Pulmonary and Umbilical Artery Doppler Velocimetry and Relationship With Respiratory Distress Syndrome Development.

OBJECTIVES

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is primarily a disease of premature neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal betamethasone administration on the fetal pulmonary arteries (PAs) and umbilical arteries (UAs) and the correlation between RDS development and PA Doppler results.

METHODS

Forty singleton pregnancies between 24 and 34 gestational weeks with a diagnosis of preterm birth were included prospectively. They received corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity. Fetal PA and UA Doppler parameters were evaluated before and 48 to 72 hours after steroid administration. Maternal records were matched to neonatal charts, and demographic and outcome data were abstracted.

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups for maternal age, body mass index, mode of delivery, and mean GA at steroid administration. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were significantly lower for neonates who developed RDS (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in PA Doppler results between fetuses who developed RDS and those who did not, and there were no significant differences in PA Doppler results before and after steroid administration for both groups. The UA pulsatility and resistive indices were significantly lower after steroid administration for the neonates who developed RDS (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in PA Doppler indices for fetuses with or without RDS after steroid administration.