Journal article
Antenatal corticosteroids: A reappraisal of the drug formulation and dose
Pediatric Research, Vol.89, pp.318-325
2020
Abstract
We review the history of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACS) and present recent experimental data to demonstrate that this, one of the pillars of perinatal care, has been inadequately evaluated to minimize fetal exposure to these powerful medications. There have been concerns since 1972 that fetal exposures to ACS convey risk. However, this developmental modulator, with its multiple widespread biologic effects, has not been evaluated for drug choice, dose, or duration of treatment, despite over 30 randomized trials. The treatment used in the United States is two intramuscular doses of a mixture of 6 mg betamethasone phosphate (Beta P) and 6 mg betamethasone acetate (Beta Ac). To optimize outcomes with ACS, the goal should be to minimize fetal drug exposure. We have determined that the minimum exposure needed for fetal lung maturation in sheep, monkeys, and humans (based on published cord blood corticosteroid concentrations) is about 1 ng/ml for a 48-h continuous exposure, far lower than the concentration reached by the current dosing. Because the slowly released Beta Ac results in prolonged fetal exposure, a drug containing Beta Ac is not ideal for ACS use.
Details
- Title
- Antenatal corticosteroids: A reappraisal of the drug formulation and dose
- Authors/Creators
- A.H. Jobe (Author/Creator)M. Kemp (Author/Creator)A. Schmidt (Author/Creator)T. Takahashi (Author/Creator)J. Newnham (Author/Creator)M. Milad (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Pediatric Research, Vol.89, pp.318-325
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Identifiers
- 991005542382107891
- Copyright
- © 2020 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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