Reduced short-term variation following antenatal administration of betamethasone: Is reduced fetal size a predisposing factor?

Objective To assess the association between fetal size and the incidence of reduced short-term variability (STV) following bethametasone administration for fetal lung maturity. Study design This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study conducted in two Tertiary University Units. Only uncomplicated singleton pregnancies admitted for threatened preterm labor between 26 and 34 weeks and submitted to betamethasone for fetal lung maturity were included. Delivery occurring within 72Â h from betamethasone administration represented criteria for exclusion. Computerized cardiotocography was carried out on a daily basis. Cases were identified by persistently reduced STV, defined as