Betamethasone versus dexamethasone on the fetal movement index in the women with preterm labor: A cross-sectional study

Biophysical evaluation of fetal profile and movements is a useful tool for assessing fetal health, which even has significant effects on neonatal health. This study aimed to compare the biophysical parameters of the profile – fetal movement index, in particular – before and after corticosteroid administration in two groups receiving dexamethasone and betamethasone.

In this descriptive/analytical study, 200 patients diagnosed with preterm delivery and admitted to the gynecology section of Hajar Hospital in Shahrekord in 2016 were investigated. Their demographic findings and medical histories were collected using a checklist form. Then their biophysical profiles 24 to 48 hours after corticosteroid administration were assessed. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS v. 18 software using t test, chi-square and Fisher exact test.

According to our study results, there was a significant difference in fetal movements before and after receiving corticosteroids, and the decrease in the percentage of movements was greater in the betamethasone group (P<0.001). Also, the biophysical profile was significantly different in the dexamethasone group compared to the betamethasone group (P<0.001). No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of fetal respiration and non-stress test (NST) before and after receiving corticosteroids (P=0.47 and P=0.65, respectively).

Dexamethasone administration had less effect on reducing fetal movement index than betamethasone administration. As the result, the biophysical profile was significantly different in the dexamethasone group compared to the betamethasone one.