Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) studies of inhaled corticosteroids during pregnancy

Abstract

Few prospective clinical trials exist to address the use of asthma medications during pregnancy in relation to neonatal outcomes. There is a need to identify favorable pregnancy outcomes in relation to the successful treatment of pregnant women with asthma. To this end, 3 studies have been initiated: (1) a retrospective analysis of inhaled steroid use in a maternal-fetal medicine research center, (2) a large observational cohort study assessing the effects of different types of asthma treatments on perinatal outcomes, and (3) a randomized clinical trial comparing theophylline and inhaled beclomethasone in the treatment of pregnant women with moderately severe asthma. Preliminary information on all 3 studies is described.