Antenatal lung maturation--should we all be using thyrotropin-releasing hormone?

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) appears to be a promising antenatal therapy to help reduce neonatal lung disease. Clinical trials, however, show differing results. At present the optimum dosage, frequency and method of administration have not been established. TRH has been shown significantly to elevate blood pressure in patients with preeclampsia suggesting it should not be used in this group. Moreover concerns over its use in growth retarded fetuses and its long-term neonatal effects have not been addressed. Further trials are needed before routine clinical use can be recommended.