Abstract
Introduction: the use of antepartum corticosteroids may attenuate the inflammatory process of HELLP syndrome in preterm pregnancies allowing improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: identifying maternal and neonatal benefits of using corticosteroids in antepartum preterm pregnancies complicated by HELLP through a review of the literature. Methodology: A review was conducted between July and September 2013, including clinical trials in English or Spanish about the usefulness of antepartum corticosteroids in preterm pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome and fetal-maternal repercussions of its use. Results: four clinical trials involving 248 pregnancies comparing the use of dexamethasone, betamethasone or prednisolone with placebo were reviewed, potential benefits as prolonging pregnancy, reducing exacerbations and reduced need for transfusions in this population was found. Conclusions: corticosteroid therapy may be useful in stabilizing antepartum patients between 48-72 hours to ensure the move to more complex centers, in reducing recurrence of HELLP syndrome, in expectant management in preterm pregnancies and reducing transfusion need; however, more studies are needed to assess this indications. MÉD.UIS. 2015;28(1):53-63.
Keywords: HELLP syndrome. Dexamethasone. Betamethasone. Adrenal cortex hormones. Obstetric labor, premature.
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