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Thorax 2006;61:678-683 doi:10.1136/thx.2005.051763
  • Epidemiology

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

  1. S R Dalziel1,
  2. H H Rea3,
  3. N K Walker1,
  4. V Parag1,
  5. C Mantell4,
  6. A Rodgers1,
  7. J E Harding2
  1. 1Clinical Trials Research Unit, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  2. 2Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  3. 3Department of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  4. 4Division of Maori and Pacific Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
  1. Correspondence to:
    Professor J E Harding
    Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand;j.harding{at}auckland.ac.nz
  • Received 22 August 2005
  • Accepted 22 March 2006
  • Published Online First 6 April 2006

Abstract

Background: Antenatal betamethasone is routinely used for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. However, little is known of the long term effects of exposure to antenatal betamethasone on lung function in adulthood.

Methods: Five hundred and thirty four 30 year olds whose mothers had participated in the first and largest randomised controlled trial of antenatal betamethasone were followed. Lung function was assessed by portable spirometric testing. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was assessed using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire.

Results: Fifty (20%) betamethasone exposed and 53 (19%) placebo exposed participants met the criteria for current asthma (relative risk 0.98 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.30), p = 0.89). 181 betamethasone exposed and 202 placebo exposed participants had acceptable spirometric data. There were no differences in lung function between betamethasone and placebo exposed groups (mean (SD) forced vital capacity in the betamethasone and placebo groups 105.9 (12.0) v 106.6 (12.6)% predicted, difference = −0.7 (95% CI −3.2 to 1.8), p = 0.59; mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second in the betamethasone and placebo groups 98.9 (13.4) v 98.5 (13.6)% predicted, difference = 0.3 (95% CI −2.4 to 3.1, p = 0.80)).

Conclusions: Antenatal exposure to a single course of betamethasone does not alter lung function or the prevalence of wheeze and asthma at age 30.

Footnotes

  • Published Online First 6 April 2006

  • Funding was obtained from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Auckland Medical Research Foundation, and New Zealand Lottery Grants Board. The study sponsors had no role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the paper for publication.

  • Competing interests: none declared.

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  4. All Versions of this Article:
    1. thx.2005.051763v1
    2. 61/8/678 most recent

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