The influence of race on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome after antenatal betamethasone or dexamethasone.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in African American and Caucasian neonates after antenatal betamethasone or dexamethasone.

STUDY

DESIGN

This was a retrospective review of all deliveries occurring at < or = 32 weeks' gestation at Hackensack University Medical Center from 2001 to 2004. Only patients who received a complete course of antenatal steroids were included. The type (betamethasone or dexamethasone) was based on pharmacy supply. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi2 and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The African American (n = 32) and Caucasian (n = 86) groups were similar in terms of maternal age, gestational age and infant birth weight. African Americans receiving dexamethasone had a 1.65-fold increased risk of delivering infants with RDS as compared to those who received betamethasone (91.3% vs. 55.6%, respectively; p = 0.038). No difference was noted among Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

Among African American neonates, the incidence of RDS was higher in those who received dexamethasone vs. betamethasone.