Hormones for suspected impaired fetal growth.

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that oestrogens may improve fetal growth due to an increase in nutritional supply to the fetus from greater uterine blood flow.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth and perinatal outcome.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (1 November 2002).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Acceptably controlled trials of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth which report fetal, perinatal or maternal outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Eligibility and trial quality were assessed.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies were included since none of the potentially relevant trials reported clinical outcomes.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is not enough evidence to evaluate the clinical use of hormone administration for suspected impaired fetal growth.