To the Editor:—
Concerning the question in The Journal, Jan. 7, p.71, on the possibility of harm to the fetus of the pregnant mother who was given corticosteroids, there is a diversity of opinion. On several occasions, inquiry has been made of The Journal concerning this subject. In the Aug. 7, 1954, issue, p. 1378, the consultant stated that corticosteroids in the latter stage of pregnancy did not affect the course of the pregnancy. However, the infant might "exhibit withdrawal symptoms suggestive of hypoadrenalism immediately after delivery." The investigators cited as responsible for the latter observation (Obstet Gynec1:276-281, March, 1953) state that ACTH and cortisone should be avoided during the first trimester.In the Nov. 27, 1954, issue of The Journal, p. 1297, the consultant stated there was "no contraindication to the use of moderate amounts of cortisone for 1 or 2 months during the second trimester of