Discussion questions of influence of corticosteroid treatment in pregnant women on children’s health

• Main Authors: A.V. Shaytarova, Ye.B. Khramova, L.A. Suplotova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: "Paediatrician" Publishers LLC 2011-03-01
• Series: Voprosy Sovremennoj Pediatrii
• Online Access: https://vsp.spr-journal.ru/jour/article/view/570

Synthetic corticosteroids are used in treatment of pregnant women with threat of premature birth or high risk of inborn dysfunction of adrenal cortex (IDAC) in fetus. The treatment results in the decrease of mortality of premature children and lessening of virilization of external genitals and brain in female fetus with IDAC. The safety of synthetic corticosteroids is actively discussed during last decade because of possible unfavorable effects of dexamethasone on fetus status and health of future child. Results of studies with animal models show effect of synthetic corticosteroids influences hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal gland system of fetus mediately through placenta. As a result, hyperactivity of hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal gland system, arterial hypertension, tendency to metabolic syndrome, alteration of behavior and decrease of cognitive function in generation was shown. There are only few studies of long-term effects of treatment with corticosteroids in pregnant women, they are contradictory.Key words: corticosteroids, pregnancy, long-term effects, behavior, children.