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.