[Prevention of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome. Influence of betamethasone on the frequency of respiratory distress syndrome in a premature infant collective at the Bonn University Gynecologic Clinic].

Out of a group of 189 pregnant women, who were in the 28th to 37th week of gestation, 57 women received i.m. injections of betamethasone. 132 premature infants whose mothers were not treated served as controls. Betamethasone caused a significant decrease in established respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In the betamethasone group there was an incidence of 7% of respiratory distress syndrome as compared to 23,5% in the control group. Neonatal mortality was 1,8% in the treated group versus 10,6% in the control group. The occurrence of suspected respiratory distress syndrome also was significantly lowered after betamethasone. In the control group premature rupture of membranes or administration of tocolytic drugs did not have any effect on the frequency of respiratory distress syndrome. However, the premature babies who were delivered by caesarian section had a significantly higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome than those who were delivered vaginally. After betamethasone treatment the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome after caesarian section was as low as in the group with vaginal delivery. The present study of a larger group of premature babies has confirmed previous positive results of betamethasone treatment.