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 ≤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 χ ² 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.