Corticosteroids for fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: can we show benefit?
Author(s): Lally KP, Bagolan P, Hosie S, Lally PA, Stewart M, Cotten CM, Van Meurs KP, Alexander G, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group Affiliation(s): Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. kevin.p.lally@uth.tmc.edu Publication date & source: 2006-04, J Pediatr Surg., 41(4):668-74 Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prenatal corticosteroids have been used in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We tested the utility of steroids by 2 methods. METHODS: Mothers carrying fetuses with CDH were randomized to 3 weekly doses of betamethasone or placebo starting at 34 weeks. Patients were followed until death or discharge. In a separate cohort study, the CDH Registry was used to compare infants who received prenatal steroids to those who had not. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were enrolled at 7 centers, with 32 completing the trial. There were 15 placebo and 17 st
