부산대학교 도서관

Maternal administration of glucocorticoids remains the mainstay of perinatal medicine for the fetus at risk of premature delivery. The reductions of severity of respiratory distress syndrome, incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, and neonatal death have all been well documented. Findings from both experimental studies in animals as well as clinical investigation in humans have raised issues of concern and controversy. These include the use of repetitive courses of corticosteroids. Questions have been raised regarding the postnatal neurobehavioral and prenatal cardiovascular responses to corticosteroids. The purpose of this review is to address the current data pertaining to these controversies.