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

Few prospective clinical trials exist to address the use of asthma medicati ons during pregnancy in relation to neonatal outcomes. There is a need to i dentify favorable pregnancy outcomes in relation to the successful treatmen t 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 m edicine research center, (2) a large observational cohort study assessing t he effects of different types of asthma treatments on perinatal outcomes, a nd (3) a randomized clinical trial comparing theophylline and inhaled beclo methasone in the treatment of pregnant women with moderately severe asthma. Preliminary information on all 3 studies is described.