Dalziel SR, Liang A, Parag V, Rodgers A, Harding JE. Blood pressure at 6 years of age after prenatal exposure to betamethasone: follow-up results of a randomized, controlled trial.
Pediatrics 2004;
114:e373-7. [PMID:
15342900 DOI:
10.1542/peds.2004-0196]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether prenatal exposure to betamethasone for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) alters blood pressure in childhood.
DESIGN
Prospective follow-up study of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
SETTING
National Women's Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand).
PARTICIPANTS
Two hundred twenty-three 6-year-old children of mothers who presented with unplanned premature labor and took part in a randomized, controlled trial of prenatal betamethasone therapy for the prevention of neonatal RDS.
INTERVENTION
Mothers received 2 doses of betamethasone (12 mg) or placebo, administered through intramuscular injection, 24 hours apart.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 6 years of age.
RESULTS
Children exposed prenatally to betamethasone (n = 121) did not differ in systolic or diastolic blood pressure from children exposed to placebo (n = 102) (mean difference: systolic: -1.6 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval: -4.1 to 0.8 mm Hg; diastolic: -0.3 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval: -2.5 to 1.8 mm Hg).
CONCLUSION
Prenatal exposure to betamethasone for prevention of neonatal RDS does not alter blood pressure at 6 years of age.
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