الفهرس 
The effect of antenatal corticosteroid on fetal lung volume in preterm fetus
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of antenatal corticosteroids on fetal lung volume (FLV) in preterm fetus, and to measure any difference in the incidence neonatal respiratory distress in correlation to fetal lung volume. Methodology: A Case control observational study included 80 pregnant women in preterm gestational age 28-35WKS, divided into two groups; Study group (n:40 with risk factors of preterm laborreceived a prophylactic dexamethasone injections ) & Control group (n:40 without risk factors of preterm labor anddid not receive any steroids). 3D FLV was measured twice for both groups using virtual organ computer-aided analysis software (VOCAL), before the dexamethasone injections and a week later. The mean total FLVs of two groups were calculated, neonatalAPGAR score, occurrence of RDS and the need for NICU admission were assessed.Results:A significant increase in the mean total FLVafter a week of dexamethasone in study group (78.5±14.8) which was not seen in the control group (75.3±15.4) (p< 0.001), No significant relation between FLV & RDS, NICU admission among neonates of study group. Thesensitivity, specificity of3D FLV measured by VOCAL techniquewere 64%, 38% respectively. Conclusions: Antenatal corticosteroids have a significant effect on preterm fetal lung when given prophylactically to pregnant women known to have increased risk of preterm labor. 3D FLV using VOCAL technique is a noninvasive &could not be used as method for assisting neonatal RDS among preterm fetuses