Effect Of Antenatal Betamethasone Research Articles

Effect of Antenatal Betamethasone and Dexamethasone on Maternal Blood Glucose Levels, Fetal Movement, Nst Parameters, and Umbilical Artery Doppler

Background: The rationale of the study is to establish the time duration of recovery of disturbed sugar values and NST parameters following steroid administration and which drug has a lesser rate of hyperglycemia and lesser disturbance of DFMC and NST parameters, so as to advocate better drugs for fetal lung maturity. This study aims to compare the changes in maternal serum glucose levels, daily fetal movement count, NST parameters, and umbilical artery doppler following Betamethasone and Dexamethasone administration in antenatal women. Subjects and Method: The study design is a prospective observational cohort study. 100 pregnant patients, were recruited into 2 equal groups who received Betamethasone and Dexamethasone in Obstetrics & Gynaecology department, MLN Medical College, Prayagraj. The independent variables are Age, Gravidity, and BMI while the dependent variables are postprandial blood sugar values, Daily Fetal Movement Count, Fetal Heart Rate, Non-Stress Test Parameters, and Doppler Flow Veloci- metry of the Umbilical artery. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, while, for continuous variables T-test was used. Study instruments include Glucometer, Cardiotocography, and Ultrasound. Results: Significant changes in the glycemic profile and fetal movements were noted. The mean ± SD glucose rise after 24 hrs in Group A (Mean= 140.10; SD= 35.90) and group B (Mean= 113.26; SD= 27.90), with p<0.001. 54% and 24% women perceived reduced fetal movements (p = 0.002) while 14% and 12% women had reduced variability on NST (p = 0.766) in Group A and Group B respectively, with 66.6% and 85.71% showing reduced flow on Doppler. Conclusion: Antenatal Betamethasone as well as Dexamethasone administration causes significant changes in maternal hyperglycemia, FHR, and DFMC at 24hrs while changes were non-significant in NST parameters and Doppler. Maternal hyperglycemia resolved within 72hrs with a resolution of decreased fetal movement perception. Umbilical artery flow decreased 24 hrs following steroid administration with more profound changes with betamethasone.

Effect of Antenatal Betamethasone on Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is one of the most common complications that cause the death among pre-term neonates (PNs). Use of Antenatal betamethasone is the effective intervention for the prevention of RDS and reducing early neonatal mortality and morbidity. Although there is limited information as to how effective this practice in developing countries. Aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of betamethasone on RDS in PNs. We conducted a prospective, observational multi-centered study at Gynecology and Obstetrics, Neonatal department of two teaching hospitals in South India over a period of 6 months. All babies born alive before 37 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The study population included 70 PNs and they were classified into three based on the consumption of betamethasone (no dose, single dose and double dose). Among them, 28(40%) belonged to no dose, 25(35.7%) in single dose and 17(24.2) in double dose. Neonates whose mothers received two doses of betamethasone had a significantly lower incidence of RDS (P=0.043) than neonates whose mothers received a single dose of betamethasone (P=0.343). We concluded that a single complete course of betamethasone (Two doses of betamethasone 12mg 24 hours apart) is efficacious than one dose of betamethasone in prevention of RDS.

Dosage escalation of antenatal steroids in preterm twin pregnancies does not improve long-term outcome.

To analyze long-term effects of antenatal betamethasone (≤16mg, =24mg and >24mg) in preterm twins on infant and childhood morbidity. Retrospective cohort study among 198 preterm twins. Three follow up time points, including a total of 84 outcomes, were evaluated: first neonatal examination after birth and in the neonatal period up to 10days after birth using data from the clinic charts; examination from the 21st to the 24th month of life and examination from the 60th to the 64th months, using data from copies of the children's examination booklets sent back by the parents. Dosage-dependent and sex-specific long-term effects of antenatal betamethasone treatment on neonatal, infant and early childhood development and morbidity up to 5.3 years of age were analyzed. Dosage escalation of >24mg was not associated with improved neonatal, infant or early child hood outcome, independent of twin pair structure. In contrast, higher doses >24mg were significantly linked to increased rates of congenital infections (OR 5.867, 95% CI 1.895-18.167). Male sex as a factor was obvious for lower rates of apnea-bradycardia-syndrome in neonates, higher rates ofno free steps after 15months in infancy and highest rates of motor clumsiness in early childhood. Betamethasone dosage escalation >24mg in twins born between 23+5 and 33+6 weeks of gestation did not improve neonatal, infant or early childhood morbidity. In contrast, higher doses >24mg total dose resulted in significantly higher rates of congenital infections and are not recommended. For males, 24mg betamethasone appears to be the preferable dose.

The effect of antenatal betamethasone on prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome before elective cesarean section at term

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is an important respiratory disease possibly caused by surfactant deficiency in infants and has a heavy financial burden on the country's health system. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between RDS in neonates who were born by elective cesarean at term with and without corticosteroids. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on all mothers who delivered by elective cesarean section at Alzahra and Taleghani Hospital with a Pregnancy age of more than 37 weeks. After considering exclusion criteria, the patients were randomly divided into either betamethasone (IM injection of 12 mg daily for two doses) or the control group. The comparison of these two groups was in RDS, hospitalization in the neonatal ward, or admission to newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Results: One hundred and sixty patients participated in the study. Fifty percentage (n = 80) of them received betamethasone and 50% did not. Of all, 160 neonates, 73.8% in Group 1 and 82.5 of the Group 2 had a 1st-min Apgar score of 9.9–9.10. Significant differences were observed in neonatal Apgar score in two groups (P

Effects of Antenatal Betamethasone on Fetal Doppler Indices andShort Term Fetal Heart Rate Variation in Early Growth RestrictedFetuses.

To investigate the effects of the antenatal administration of betamethasone on fetal Doppler and short term fetal heart rate variation (CTG-STV) in early growth restricted (FGR) fetuses. Post hoc analysis of data derived from the TRUFFLE study, a prospective, multicenter, randomized management trial of severe early onset FGR. Repeat Doppler and CTG-STV measurements between the last recording within 48 hours before the first dose of betamethasone (baseline value) and for 10 days after were evaluated. Multilevel analysis was performed to analyze the longitudinal course of the umbilico-cerebral ratio (UC ratio), the ductus venosus pulsatility index (DVPIV) and CTG-STV. We included 115 fetuses. A significant increase from baseline in CTG-STV was found on day + 1 (p = 0.019) but no difference thereafter. The DVPIV was not significantly different from baseline in any of the 10 days following the first dose of betamethasone (p = 0.167). Multilevel analysis revealed that, over 10 days, the time elapsed from antenatal administration of betamethasone was significantly associated with a decrease in CTG-STV (p = 0.045) and an increase in the DVPIV (p = 0.001) and UC ratio (p < 0.001). Although steroid administration in early FGR has a minimal effect on increasing CTG-STV one day afterwards, the effects on Doppler parameters were extremely slight with regression coefficients of small magnitude suggesting no clinical significance, and were most likely related to the deterioration with time in FGR. Hence, arterial and venous Doppler assessment of fetal health remains informative following antenatal steroid administration to accelerate fetal lung maturation.

The Effect of Antenatal Betamethasone on White Matter Inflammation and Injury in Fetal Sheep and Ventilated Preterm Lambs

Antenatal administration of betamethasone (BM) is a common antecedent of preterm birth, but there is limited information about its impact on the acute evolution of preterm neonatal brain injury. We aimed to compare the effects of maternal BM in combination with mechanical ventilation on the white matter (WM) of late preterm sheep. At 0.85 of gestation, pregnant ewes were randomly assigned to receive intra-muscular (i.m.) saline (n = 9) or i.m. BM (n = 13). Lambs were delivered and unventilated controls (UVC_Sal, n = 4; UVC_BM, n = 6) were humanely killed without intervention; ventilated lambs (Vent_Sal, n = 5; Vent_BM, n = 7) were injuriously ventilated for 15 min, followed by conventional ventilation for 75 min. Cardiovascular and cerebral haemodynamics and oxygenation were measured continuously. The cerebral WM underwent assessment of inflammation and injury, and oxidative stress was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the periventricular and subcortical WM tracts, the proportion of amoeboid (activated) microglia, the density of astrocytes, and the number of blood vessels with protein extravasation were higher in UVC_BM than in UVC_Sal (p < 0.05 for all). During ventilation, tidal volume, mean arterial pressure, carotid blood flow, and oxygen delivery were higher in ­Vent_BM lambs (p < 0.05 vs. Vent_Sal). In the subcortical WM, microglial infiltration was increased in the Vent_Sal group compared to UVC_Sal. The proportion of activated microglia and protein extravasation was higher in the Vent_BM group compared to Vent_Sal within the periventricular and subcortical WM tracts (p < 0.05). CSF oxidative stress was increased in the Vent_BM group compared to UVC_Sal, UVC_BM, and Vent_Sal groups (p < 0.05). Antenatal BM was associated with inflammation and vascular permeability in the WM of late preterm fetal sheep. During the immediate neonatal period, the increased carotid perfusion and oxygen delivery in BM-treated lambs was associated with increased oxidative stress, microglial activation and microvascular injury.

Evaluation of the effect of antenatal betamethasone on neonatal respiratory morbidity in early-term elective cesarean

Background: Compared with vaginal delivery, early-term cesarean section (CS) is associated with an increased risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity. Given the role of steroids in lung maturation in preterm labor, few studies have investigated their effects on early-term delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of antenatal betamethasone on neonatal respiratory morbidity in early-term elective cesarean (37–38 weeks and 6 d).Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran in 2017. Women with single pregnancy who were candidates for planned elective CS in 37–38 weeks and 6 d of gestation were randomly assigned to either betamethasone group (intramuscular injection of 12 mg of betamethasone in two doses with an interval of 24 h from the 37th week of gestation) or control group (routine treatment). Then, neonatal respiratory morbidities, hospitalization in NICU, and its cause and duration were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results: Of all, 16 neonates (7%) suffered from one or more respiratory morbidities, and there was no significant difference between the betamethasone and control groups (six cases (6%) and 10 cases (9%), respectively, p = .299). There was also no significant difference between betamethasone and control groups in terms of the frequency of respiratory morbidities at the gestational age of 37 and 38 weeks (p > .05). Grunting, retraction, or nasal flaring was the most common respiratory morbidity that was observed in 13 neonates (6%). We observed the need for CPAP in three neonates (1%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in three neonates (1%), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in two neonates (1%), need for resuscitation at birth in one neonate (0.5%), and apnea in one neonate (0.5%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of respiratory morbidities (p > .05). A total of 17 neonates (8%) were admitted to NICU; the number of neonates admitted to NICU was significantly lower in betamethasone group than in the control group (three neonates (7.2%) and 14 neonates (12.7%), respectively, p = .005). Respiratory distress in 11 neonates (5%), sepsis in two neonates (1%), and other cases in four neonates (2%) were the main reasons for NICU admission. The prevalence of respiratory distress, as a cause for admission, was significantly lower in the betamethasone group (p = .005).Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that intramuscular injection of 12 mg of betamethasone in two doses, with an interval of 24 h, after 37 weeks of gestation in women undergoing early-term CS did not have a significant effect on respiratory morbidities in neonates. However, it decreased the frequency of admission to NICU, especially admission due to respiratory distress; it could indicate that the respiratory morbidities were less severe in betamethasone group than in the control group.

Evaluation of the effect of antenatal betamethasone on neonatal respiratory morbidities in late preterm deliveries (34–37 weeks)

Background: Since late preterm neonates (34–36 weeks) are more at risk of respiratory morbidities, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of antenatal betamethasone on neonatal respiratory morbidities in women with late preterm delivery.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 240 women with single pregnancy that was at high risk of late preterm delivery (34–37 weeks). The patients were randomly assigned to either betamethasone (intramuscular injection of 12 mg of betamethasone in two doses with an interval of 24 hours) or the control group. The two groups were compared with each other in terms of respiratory morbidities, NICU admission and its cause and duration, hospitalization in the neonatal ward for more than 6 hours, and the duration of hospitalization.Results: Of all, 79 neonates (33%) had one or more respiratory morbidities. The observed morbidities in the betamethasone group were significantly less prevalent than those in the control group (19 neonates (16%) and 60 neonates (50%), respectively, p < .001). The most frequently observed respiratory morbidity was needed for oxygen for more than an hour (34 infants, 14%). The need for oxygen for more than an hour, the need for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and the need for surfactant were significantly less observed in betamethasone group than in the control group. A total of 43 neonates (18%) were admitted to NICU and then hospitalized in the neonatal ward; the number of admitted neonates were significantly lower in the betamethasone group than in the control group (11 neonates (9%) and 32 neonates (27%), respectively, p < .001). Moreover, 15 neonates (6%) were admitted to the neonatal ward and there were no significant differences between the betamethasone and control groups (10 neonates (8%) and 5 neonates (4%), respectively, p = .182). Totally, 58 neonates (24%) were hospitalized; the number of hospitalized neonates was significantly lower in the betamethasone group than in the control group (21 neonates (18%) and 37 neonates (31%), respectively, p = .016).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the antenatal administration of betamethasone in late preterm delivery (34–37 weeks) can improve respiratory morbidities and decrease the frequency of NICU admission.

Effect of Antenatal Betamethasone on Fetal and Uteroplacental Blood Flow Velocity Waveforms in Preterm Pregnancies with Intra Uterine Growth Restriction

Effect of Antenatal Betamethasone on Fetal and Uteroplacental Blood Flow Velocity Waveforms in Preterm Pregnancies with Intra Uterine Growth Restriction

Abstract P324: Reduction in Excreted Sodium Load in Obese Sheep: Role of Antenatal Betamethasone and Sex

Our previous studies have demonstrated the programmed impairment of sodium excretion in lean antenatal betamethasone exposed sheep whereby the males exhibited blunted excretion of a sodium load when compared to control males or control or antenatal betamethasone exposed females. Obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for developing early stage kidney failure in individuals exposed to unfavorable intrauterine conditions by virtue of fetal programming. We hypothesize that obesity (second hit) can accentuate the impairment of sodium excretion in antenatal betamethasone exposed offspring in a sex specific manner. Pregnant ewes received either betamethasone or vehicle at 80-81 days gestation. The male (n=6 per group) or female (n=5 per group) offspring were overfed to become obese (40% weight gain over a course of 3 months) at age of 1.5 years. Acute sodium load (sodium chloride: 0.13g/kg) was administrated intravenously. Sodium excretion (excreted sodium load), blood pressure (BP), renal plasma flow (RPF), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured. Data for sodium excretion are expressed as percentage of excreted sodium load. ANOVA and Student’s t test were used for data analysis. The excreted sodium load was lower in obese male antenatal betamethasone exposed offspring (OMB) than in obese male vehicle exposed offspring (OMV) (13.5±3.1% vs. 33.2±9.9% p=0.04). However, the excreted sodium load was not significantly different between obese female antenatal betamethasone exposed offspring (OFB) and obese female vehicle exposed offspring (OFV) (60.4±6.2% vs. 72.0±8.2%, p=0.31). Compared male offspring with female offspring, the excreted sodium load was lower in male offspring (33.2±9.9% vs. 72.0±8.2%, p=0.001, OMV vs. OFV; 13.5±3.2% vs. 60.4±6.2%, p&lt;0.0001, OMB vs. OFB). During the experiments BP, RPF and GFR did not change significantly. . These data suggest that obesity, acting as a second hit, accentuates impairment of sodium excretion in antenatal betamethasone exposed male but not female offspring. Thus the sex specific effect of antenatal betamethasone on sodium excretion persists in in animals experiencing a secondary insult of obesity in adulthood.

Effect of antenatal betamethasone on blood glucose levels in women with and without diabetes

ObjectiveTo characterize the maternal glycemic response to betamethasone in subjects without diabetes compared to subjects with diabetes. Study designBlood glucose levels in 22 gravidae without diabetes and 11 gravidae with diabetes were recorded for 48h following betamethasone administration for threatened preterm delivery. Maximum blood glucose value and time to maximum value were compared. Area under the curve calculations were used to express the duration and degree of significant hyperglycemia for individual subjects. These summary measures were then correlated to subject characteristics and laboratory values to determine a risk profile of those subjects without diabetes at risk for significant hyperglycemia. ResultsAll subjects with diabetes and the majority of those without diabetes had significant hyperglycemia during the study period. Mean maximum blood glucose was higher for those with diabetes (205mg/dL vs. 173mg/dL, p⩽0.01). Mean time to reach the maximum glucose level was similar for both groups. Result of a glucose tolerance test given immediately prior to betamethasone correlated strongly with amount of time spent with hyperglycemia for subjects without diabetes (rho=0.59, p⩽0.01). Morbidly obese subjects spent less time with hyperglycemia than those with lower body mass indices (p=0.03). ConclusionBoth subjects with and without diabetes demonstrate significant hyperglycemia after receipt of antenatal betamethasone.

The effect of maternal betamethasone administration on Doppler flow velocity parameters of the fetal branch pulmonary artery

To investigate the effects of antenatal betamethasone on fetal pulmonary blood flow velocity waveforms. The study comprised 28 women with singleton pregnancies at high risk for preterm delivery. They were treated with two doses of 12 mg betamethasone intramuscularly 24 h apart to enhance lung maturity. Flow velocity waveforms were recorded with Doppler ultrasound from the middle segment of pulmonary artery (PA). Compared with the pretreatment mean value, a significant decrease in the pulmonary artery pulsatility (PI) and the resistance indexes (RI) was noted at 24 h and 48 h after the administration of first dose of betamethasone (p = 0.022 and p = 0.018 for PI and p = 0.001 and p = 0.004 for RI, respectively). After 7 days, the pulmonary artery velocity waveforms returned to the types of waveform observed before treatment (p = 0.216 for PI and p = 0.249 for RI). Maternal antenatal betamethasone resulted in a significant transient decrease in the pulsatility and the resistance indexes in the pulmonary artery. These findings indicate a direct effect of betamethasone on fetal pulmonary circulation.

209: Effect of antenatal betamethasone on blood glucose levels in nondiabetic and diabetic gravidas

209: Effect of antenatal betamethasone on blood glucose levels in nondiabetic and diabetic gravidas

Effects of Antenatal Betamethasone and Dexamethasone on the Lung Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Alveolarization in Newborn Rats Exposed to Acute Hypoxia and Recovered in Normoxia or Hyperoxia

The use of antenatal corticosteroids is widespread and it is important to know their effect(s) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a crucial role in pulmonary development. The purpose of this study was to compare pulmonary VEGF expression in newborn rats that were exposed to antenatal betamethasone versus dexamethasone under normoxia, hypoxia and oxidative stress, and to evaluate its impact on alveolarization. Betamethasone, dexamethasone or equivalent saline solution (control group) was administered to pregnant rats. Newborn rats were randomized to room air, hypoxia followed by hyperoxia, or hypoxia followed by air. Pulmonary VEGF protein, VEGF mRNA, and alveolarization were evaluated at 4 days of life. Betamethasone and dexamethasone were observed to have different actions on VEGF expression with a correlation with alveolarization. Antenatal dexamethasone decreased VEGF expression, and dexamethasone and hyperoxia had an additive effect on the inhibition of VEGF with a reduction in alveolar development. Betamethasone appeared to have an effect on the induction of the expression of VEGF, and it seemed to inhibit the negative action of hyperoxia on VEGF. Moreover, betamethasone did not produce a decrease in alveolarization. Our results support the notion that betamethasone could be better than dexamethasone for antenatal lung maturation.

Effect of antenatal betamethasone on maternal and fetal amino acid concentration

To determine the concentration of amino acids in women receiving the first course of antenatal betamethasone and to evaluate the umbilical venous and arterial amino acid concentrations at the time of elective cesarean section after betamethasone administration. Blood samples were collected from 34 pregnant women at risk of premature delivery before and 24 and 48 hours after the first course of betamethasone. In addition, maternal and cord blood samples were collected in 13 women undergoing an elective cesarean section between 24 and 192 hours after betamethasone. Maternal amino acid concentrations were significantly increased after the first dose of betamethasone. Overall total amino nitrogen increased 17.5% 24 hours after betamethasone administration and 20.5% after 48 hours. The concentration of most amino acids was increased both in the umbilical vein and artery after maternal betamethasone administration. The concentration of maternal and fetal amino acids increases significantly after betamethasone administration.

Long term effects of antenatal betamethasone on lung function: 30 year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

Long term effects of antenatal betamethasone on lung function: 30 year follow up of a randomised controlled trial

Peak Bone Mass After Exposure to Antenatal Betamethasone and Prematurity: Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Small birth size is associated with reduced adult bone mass. We determined if antenatal betamethasone exposure, birth weight, or prematurity affects peak bone mass in 174 adults. Antenatal betamethasone exposure did not. Lower birth weight and prematurity predicted reduced adult height. Slower fetal growth rather than prematurity predicted lower bone mass, but this lower bone mass was appropriate for reduced adult height. Small size at birth is reported to be associated with lower bone mass in adulthood. However, previous studies have not distinguished the relative contributions of length of gestation and fetal growth to size at birth. Fetal exposure to excess glucocorticoids has been proposed as a core mechanism underlying the associations between birth size and later disease risk. Antenatal glucocorticoids are given to pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in their infants. We determined the relationship of antenatal exposure to betamethasone, birth weight, and prematurity to peak bone mass and femoral geometry in the adult survivors of the first randomized trial of antenatal glucocorticoids. We studied 174 young adults (mean age, 31 years) whose mothers participated in a randomized trial of antenatal betamethasone. Mothers received two doses of intramuscular betamethasone or placebo 24 h apart. Two thirds of participants were born preterm (<37 weeks gestation). We measured indices of bone mass and size and derived estimates of volumetric density and bone geometry from DXA assessments of the lumbar spine, femur, and total body. There were no differences between betamethasone-exposed and placebo-exposed groups in any of the lumbar spine, femur, or total body DXA measures. There was no effect of antenatal betamethasone on adult height, although leg length was increased relative to trunk length (p = 0.002). A lighter birth weight (p <or = 0.001) and lower gestational age (p = 0.013) were associated with shorter stature (height Z scores) at age 31 years. Prematurity had no effect on peak bone mass or femoral geometry. However, lower birth weight, independent of gestational age, was associated with lower later bone mass (p < 0.001 for lumbar spine and total body, p = 0.003 for femoral neck BMC). These effects on bone mass were related to bone size and not to estimates of volumetric density. In the femur, lower birth weight, independent of gestational age, was associated with narrowing of the upper shaft and narrow neck regions. Antenatal betamethasone exposure does not affect peak bone mass or femoral geometry in adulthood. Birth weight and prematurity predict adult height, but it is slower fetal growth, rather than prematurity, that predicts lower peak bone mass. The lower peak bone mass in those born small is appropriate for their adult height.

Effects of Antenatal Betamethasone on Maternal and Fetoplacental Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 Activities in Human Singleton Pregnancies

BackgroundA single course of antenatal betamethasone is administered to women at risk of preterm labor to advance fetal lung maturation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are collagen-degrading enzymes that remodel extracellular matrix...

Effect of antenatal betamethasone on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors in the umbilical cord

Effect of antenatal betamethasone on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors in the umbilical cord

The effect of antenatal betamethasone on cord blood concentrations of retinol-binding protein, transthyretin, transferrin, retinol, and vitamin E.

We assessed the effect of short-term (less than or equal to 1 week) and prolonged (greater than 1 week) exposure to antenatal betamethasone on umbilical cord serum concentrations of retinol-binding protein (serum t 1/2 = 12 h), transthyretin (t 1/2 = 2 days), transferrin (t 1/2 = 8 days), retinol (vitamin A), and vitamin E in appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm newborn infants of less than 36 weeks' gestation. A group of 30 infants whose mothers received a single course of betamethasone less than or equal to 1 week prior to delivery had significantly elevated mean retinol-binding protein and transthyretin but not transferrin concentrations when compared with a group of 30 gestational age- and birth weight-matched infants with no exposure to antenatal betamethasone. A group of eight infants whose mothers received multiple (more than two) weekly courses of betamethasone prior to delivery had significantly elevated mean serum concentrations of all three proteins when compared with eight gestational age- and weight-matched control infants with no betamethasone exposure. Serum retinol and vitamin E concentrations were measured in a group of 21 infants exposed to short-term prenatal betamethasone and were significantly greater than in a group of 21 control infants without steroid exposure. We conclude that antenatal steroids increase the umbilical cord serum concentrations of retinol-binding protein, transthyretin, transferrin, retinol, and vitamin E. The effect on the various serum proteins is dependent on the duration of exposure to steroids.