Fetal immunoglobulin production following prenatal glucocorticoid treatment
Cederqvist, L.L.; Ylikorkala, O.; Ekelund, L.; Tuimala, R.; Litwin, S.D.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 52(5): 539-541
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 724171 Document Number: 126334
In order to accelerate fetal lung maturation 46 pregnant women were given either dexamethasone or betamethasone intramuscularly during 3 consecutive days during 29--36 weeks of gestation. At birth, the infants appeared to have intact humoral immune function in that they could produce normal amounts of immunoglobulins in utero, and 2 fetuses responded with increased synthesis of IgA or IgM following premature rupture of the membranes. The clinical course did not show any increased incidence of puerperal or neonatal illness attributable to intrauterine infection.