[Prevention of respiratory distress syndrome prior to delivery using steroids].

Dexamethason in a total dose of 15 mg was given in 125 cases of premature labour 48 hours before delivery to prevent the development of respiration distress syndrome. Clinically, the incidence of RDS was 14,5% (18 cases) in the treated group, while in the control group it was 27,7% (32 cases out of 119). Owing to RDS two prematures died in the treated group, and 14 in the control one. Steroid prophylaxis was applied prenatally with 69 pregnant women at term who were predisposed to give birth to infants developing RDS (retardation, diabetes mellitus, elective section caesareas, etc.). Five neonates developed RDS and one died of hyaline membrane disease. The authors studied the effect of steroids on carbohydrate metabolism and total oestrogen excretion in the urine. From profile examinations of blood sugar it was concluded that no pathological alterations take place in maternal carbohydrate metabolism due to intravenous or intermittent prolonged administration of Dexamethason. After one single large dose (15 mg) of Dexamethason a reduction of 30-40% was noted in total oestrogen excretion. Return to the initial value was noted on the 11th-12th day. No appreciable changes were observed with prolonged intermittently given Dexamethason. On the basis of their observations the authors consider that steroid therapy applied during labour is efficient in preventing neonatal RDS.