Review on the use of dexamethasone and its impact on fertility and pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Although benefit/risk analysis is usually undertaken prior to starting a treatment, some conditions will inevitably require the use of drugs with known side effects even during pregnancy. This is the case with dexamethasone use in ante natal care. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the uses of dexamethasone and its impacts on pregnancy and fertility in humans. Data source The review is based on literature searches using PubMed and MeSH and authors' personal manuscript/abstract files and citations of known references. Study selection The selection of articles reflects the authors' opinion as to originality and importance in the context of the review. The review included human and some aspects of animal study.Data extraction The electronic searches were scrutinized and full manuscripts of all quotes considered relevant to the study were obtained. All the articles whose abstracts were not available were excluded.Results: Dexamethasone use has evolved over the years to include fertility treatment in both males and females in addition to its use in pregnancy to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in neonates despite its side effects due to the fact that its benefits outweigh the risks. Conclusions: Dexamethasone use has evolved over the years to include fertility treatment in addition to use in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome. Low doses have no major adverse effects; however, repeated doses and long-term therapy are associated with more serious sequelae. It is recommended that dexamethasone therapy be incorporated into maternal and neonatal health care services