The effect of betamethasone on fetal movement, biophysical profile and fetal circulation in preterm fetuses

Objective: Evaluating the effect of antenatal betamethasone on the biophysical profile and Doppler indices of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five preterm labor singleton pregnancies (gestational age, 26-34 weeks) were studied prospectively. These patients received two consecutive doses of betamethasone 24 hours apart to accelerate pulmonary maturation. Fetal biophysical profile (BPP) and Doppler assessment were performed twice, on admission and 48 hours after administration of the first dose. The mother recorded fetal movement before, during and after the study periods. Comparison was made between biophysical profile score, fetal movement and Doppler indices of the umbilical and middle cerebral artery before and after betamethasone administration. Continuous data were compared by paired t test and dichotomous data were compared by McNemar test between pre and post treatment evaluations. The statistical significance was set at 0.05 levels. Results: Twenty-five women–median age, 26 (19-42) years; median of gestational age, 32 (26-34) weeks– which were referred to Imam Sajjad hospital, Yasuj from August 2010 to December 2011 were enrolled into the study. There was significant different in fetal movement before and after betamethasone administration (p=0.004). The frequency of BPP scores ≤8 increased from 13 to 21 subjects (p=0.039) at post treatment evaluation which was significant statistically. There was statistically significant difference in the reduction of umbilical artery PI (0.10) (95%CI: 0.01-0.19) and RI (0.07) (95%CI: 0.08-0.06)), but these changes were not important clinically. The mean changes of MCA PI and RI were 0.01 (95% CI:-0.16-0.19) and -0.01 (95% CI:-O.08-0.06), respectively. Conclusion: After betamethasone administration, fetal movement, BPP scores and umbilical artery indices were decreased, while MCA Doppler indices were not affected. [Soghra Khazardoost, Parichehr Pooransari, Masoome Mirzamoradi. The effect of betamethasone on fetal movement, biophysical profile and fetal circulation in preterm fetuses. Life Sci J 9(4):1990-1992]. (ISSN: 10978135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 298