This is a descriptive study comparing the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among singleton preterm deliveries from 2005-2007 in a private tertiary hospital. Medical records of mothers and neonates were reviewed. A total of 185 subjects were included in this study, 63 (34%) of which received the non-standard (NS) dosage (10 mg IM every 12 hours x 2 doses). Ninety-seven (52.4%) did not received any Dexamethasone and only 7 (3.8%) received the standard dosage (6 mg IM every 12 hours x 4 doses). The rest either received an incomplete dosage or other non-standard dosage. The frequency of RDS among patients who received the NS dosage was significantly reduced. The difference in occurrences of RDS among those who received the standard dosage to those who received the NS dosage was not significant. This suggests this dosage of Dexamethasone has the same effectiveness as the standard dosage enhancing fetal lung maturity and reducing the incidence of RDS.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Infant (a Child Between 1 And 23 Months Of Age) ; Dexamethasone ; Hyaline Membrane Disease ; Infant