Scolaris Content Display Scolaris Content Display

'Risk of bias' graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies

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Figure 1

'Risk of bias' graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies

'Risk of bias' summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study

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Figure 2

'Risk of bias' summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.2 Chorioamnionitis

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Figure 3

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.2 Chorioamnionitis

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.4 Perinatal deaths

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Figure 4

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.4 Perinatal deaths

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.5 Neonatal deaths

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Figure 5

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.5 Neonatal deaths

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.6 Fetal deaths

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Figure 6

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.6 Fetal deaths

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.7 Respiratory distress syndrome

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Figure 7

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.7 Respiratory distress syndrome

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.10 Intraventricular haemorrhage

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Figure 8

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.10 Intraventricular haemorrhage

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.11 Mean birthweight (g)

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Figure 9

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.11 Mean birthweight (g)

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.25 Need for mechanical ventilation/CPAP

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Figure 10

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.25 Need for mechanical ventilation/CPAP

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.30 Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes

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Figure 11

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.30 Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1: Maternal death

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Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1: Maternal death

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2: Chorioamnionitis

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Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2: Chorioamnionitis

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3: Endometritis

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Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3: Endometritis

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4: Perinatal deaths

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Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4: Perinatal deaths

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5: Neonatal deaths

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Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5: Neonatal deaths

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6: Fetal deaths

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Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6: Fetal deaths

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7: Respiratory distress syndrome

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Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7: Respiratory distress syndrome

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8: Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome

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Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8: Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9: Chronic lung disease

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Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9: Chronic lung disease

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10: Intraventricular haemorrhage

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Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10: Intraventricular haemorrhage

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11: Mean birthweight (g)

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Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11: Mean birthweight (g)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12: Death in childhood

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Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12: Death in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13: Neurodevelopmental delay in childhood

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Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13: Neurodevelopmental delay in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14: Death into adulthood

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Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14: Death into adulthood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15: Fever in women after trial entry requiring the use of antibiotics

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Analysis 1.15

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15: Fever in women after trial entry requiring the use of antibiotics

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16: Intrapartum fever in woman requiring the use of antibiotics

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Analysis 1.16

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16: Intrapartum fever in woman requiring the use of antibiotics

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17: Side effects of therapy in women

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Analysis 1.17

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17: Side effects of therapy in women

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18: Admission into adult intensive care unit

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Analysis 1.18

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18: Admission into adult intensive care unit

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19: Hypertension

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Analysis 1.19

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19: Hypertension

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20: Postnatal fever in woman

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Analysis 1.20

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20: Postnatal fever in woman

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21: Glucose intolerance

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Analysis 1.21

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21: Glucose intolerance

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22: Necrotising enterocolitis

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Analysis 1.22

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22: Necrotising enterocolitis

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23: Systemic infection in the first 48 hours of life

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Analysis 1.23

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23: Systemic infection in the first 48 hours of life

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24: Proven infection while in the neonatal intensive care unit

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Analysis 1.24

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24: Proven infection while in the neonatal intensive care unit

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 25: Need for mechanical ventilation/CPAP

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Analysis 1.25

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 25: Need for mechanical ventilation/CPAP

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 26: Mean duration of mechanical ventilation/CPAP (days)

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Analysis 1.26

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 26: Mean duration of mechanical ventilation/CPAP (days)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 27: Mean duration of oxygen supplementation (days)

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Analysis 1.27

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 27: Mean duration of oxygen supplementation (days)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 28: Surfactant use

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Analysis 1.28

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 28: Surfactant use

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 29: Air leak syndrome

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Analysis 1.29

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 29: Air leak syndrome

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 30: Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes

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Analysis 1.30

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 30: Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 31: Mean interval between trial entry and birth (days)

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Analysis 1.31

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 31: Mean interval between trial entry and birth (days)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 32: Small‐for‐gestational age

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Analysis 1.32

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 32: Small‐for‐gestational age

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 33: Mean infant HPA axis function (cortisol)

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Analysis 1.33

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 33: Mean infant HPA axis function (cortisol)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 34: Admission to neonatal intensive care unit

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Analysis 1.34

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 34: Admission to neonatal intensive care unit

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 35: Developmental delay in childhood

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Analysis 1.35

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 35: Developmental delay in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 36: Cerebral palsy in childhood

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Analysis 1.36

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 36: Cerebral palsy in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 37: Mean childhood weight (kg)

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Analysis 1.37

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 37: Mean childhood weight (kg)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 38: Mean childhood height (cm)

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Analysis 1.38

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 38: Mean childhood height (cm)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 39: Mean childhood head circumference (cm)

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Analysis 1.39

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 39: Mean childhood head circumference (cm)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 40: Mean childhood VC (% predicted)

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Analysis 1.40

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 40: Mean childhood VC (% predicted)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 41: Mean childhood FEV1 (% predicted)

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Analysis 1.41

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 41: Mean childhood FEV1 (% predicted)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 42: Mean childhood FEV1/VC

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Analysis 1.42

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 42: Mean childhood FEV1/VC

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 43: Mean childhood systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

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Analysis 1.43

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 43: Mean childhood systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 44: Visual impairment in childhood

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Analysis 1.44

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 44: Visual impairment in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 45: Hearing impairment in childhood

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Analysis 1.45

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 45: Hearing impairment in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 46: Intellectual impairment in childhood

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Analysis 1.46

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 46: Intellectual impairment in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 47: Behavioural/learning difficulties in childhood

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Analysis 1.47

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 47: Behavioural/learning difficulties in childhood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 48: Mean adult insulin (log values)

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Analysis 1.48

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 48: Mean adult insulin (log values)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 49: Mean adult glucose (mmol/L)

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Analysis 1.49

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 49: Mean adult glucose (mmol/L)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 50: Mean adult weight (kg)

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Analysis 1.50

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 50: Mean adult weight (kg)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 51: Mean adult height (cm)

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Analysis 1.51

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 51: Mean adult height (cm)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 52: Mean adult head circumference (cm)

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Analysis 1.52

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 52: Mean adult head circumference (cm)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 53: Mean adult skinfold thickness (log values)

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Analysis 1.53

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 53: Mean adult skinfold thickness (log values)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 54: Mean adult systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

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Analysis 1.54

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 54: Mean adult systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 55: Mean adult HPA axis function (mean log fasting cortisol)

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Analysis 1.55

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 55: Mean adult HPA axis function (mean log fasting cortisol)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 56: Mean cholesterol in adulthood (mmol/L)

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Analysis 1.56

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 56: Mean cholesterol in adulthood (mmol/L)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 57: Mean age at puberty (years)

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Analysis 1.57

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 57: Mean age at puberty (years)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 58: Educational achievement by adulthood (university or polytechnic education)

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Analysis 1.58

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 58: Educational achievement by adulthood (university or polytechnic education)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 59: Visual impairment in adulthood

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Analysis 1.59

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 59: Visual impairment in adulthood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 60: Hearing impairment in adulthood

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Analysis 1.60

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 60: Hearing impairment in adulthood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 61: Intellectual impairment in adulthood

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Analysis 1.61

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 61: Intellectual impairment in adulthood

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 62: Mean adult FVC (% predicted)

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Analysis 1.62

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 62: Mean adult FVC (% predicted)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 63: Mean adult FEV1 (% predicted)

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Analysis 1.63

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 63: Mean adult FEV1 (% predicted)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 64: Mean adult FEV1/FVC

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Analysis 1.64

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 64: Mean adult FEV1/FVC

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 65: Mean adult PEF

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Analysis 1.65

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 65: Mean adult PEF

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 66: Mean adult F50

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Analysis 1.66

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 66: Mean adult F50

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 67: Mean adult F25

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Analysis 1.67

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 67: Mean adult F25

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 68: Mean adult FEF 25%‐75%

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Analysis 1.68

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 68: Mean adult FEF 25%‐75%

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 69: FEV1/FVC < 70%

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Analysis 1.69

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 69: FEV1/FVC < 70%

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 70: Asthma diagnosed by Doctor in lifetime

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Analysis 1.70

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 70: Asthma diagnosed by Doctor in lifetime

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 71: Wheezing in last 12 months

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Analysis 1.71

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 71: Wheezing in last 12 months

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 72: Current Asthma

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Analysis 1.72

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 72: Current Asthma

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 73: Further respiratory diagnosis (includes pneumonia, upper airway conditions and bronchitis)

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Analysis 1.73

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 73: Further respiratory diagnosis (includes pneumonia, upper airway conditions and bronchitis)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 74: Spontaneous pneumothorax

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Analysis 1.74

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 74: Spontaneous pneumothorax

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 75: Shortness of breath at anytime in the last 12 months

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Analysis 1.75

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 75: Shortness of breath at anytime in the last 12 months

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 76: Mean adult lumbar spine aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.76

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 76: Mean adult lumbar spine aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 77: Mean adult lumbar spine vBMD (g/cm3) volumetric bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.77

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 77: Mean adult lumbar spine vBMD (g/cm3) volumetric bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 78: Mean adult total body BMC (grams) bone mineral content

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Analysis 1.78

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 78: Mean adult total body BMC (grams) bone mineral content

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 79: Mean adult total body aBMD (g/cm3) areal bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.79

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 79: Mean adult total body aBMD (g/cm3) areal bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 80: Mean adult femoral neck aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.80

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 80: Mean adult femoral neck aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 81: Mean adult femoral trochanter aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.81

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 81: Mean adult femoral trochanter aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 82: Mean adult femoral shaft aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.82

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 82: Mean adult femoral shaft aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 83: Mean total proximal femur aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

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Analysis 1.83

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 83: Mean total proximal femur aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 84: Mean length of antenatal hospitalisation (days)

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Analysis 1.84

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 84: Mean length of antenatal hospitalisation (days)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 85: Mean length of postnatal hospitalisation (days)

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Analysis 1.85

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 85: Mean length of postnatal hospitalisation (days)

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 86: Mean length of neonatal hospitalisation (days)

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Analysis 1.86

Comparison 1: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 86: Mean length of neonatal hospitalisation (days)

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 2: Perinatal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 2: Perinatal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 3: Neonatal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 3: Neonatal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 4: Fetal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 4: Fetal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 5: Respiratory distress syndrome ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 5: Respiratory distress syndrome ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 6: IVH ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 6: IVH ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 7: Birthweight ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

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Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy, Outcome 7: Birthweight ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 3: Perinatal death ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 3: Perinatal death ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.5

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 6: RDS ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.6

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 6: RDS ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 7: IVH ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.7

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 7: IVH ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

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Analysis 3.8

Comparison 3: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ intact or ruptured membranes

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 1: RDS

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Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 1: RDS

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 2: Perinatal deaths

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Analysis 4.2

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 2: Perinatal deaths

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 3: Fetal deaths

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Analysis 4.3

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 3: Fetal deaths

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths

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Analysis 4.4

Comparison 4: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ type of steroid

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Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ type of steroid

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Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 3: Perinatal death ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 3: Perinatal death ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths by steroid type

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.4

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths by steroid type

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.5

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 6: Respiratory distress syndrome ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.6

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 6: Respiratory distress syndrome ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 7: IVH ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.7

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 7: IVH ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.8

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 9: Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.9

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 9: Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 10: Chronic lung disease ‐ type of steroid

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.10

Comparison 5: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid, Outcome 10: Chronic lung disease ‐ type of steroid

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.1

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.2

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 3: Perinatal deaths ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.3

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 3: Perinatal deaths ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.4

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 4: Neonatal deaths decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.5

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 6: RDS ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.6

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 6: RDS ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 7: IVH ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.7

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 7: IVH ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ decade of trial

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.8

Comparison 6: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ decade of trial

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ Protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.1

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ Protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.2

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 2: Endometritis ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 3: Perinatal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.3

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 3: Perinatal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 4: Neonatal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.4

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 4: Neonatal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.5

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 5: Fetal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 6: RDS ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.6

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 6: RDS ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 7: IVH‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.7

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 7: IVH‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.8

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 8: Birthweight ‐ protocol with weekly repeats

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 9: Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.9

Comparison 7: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats, Outcome 9: Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.1

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 1: Chorioamnionitis ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 2: Perinatal death ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.2

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 2: Perinatal death ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 3: Neonatal death ‐ gestational age at trial engry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.3

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 3: Neonatal death ‐ gestational age at trial engry

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 4: Fetal death ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.4

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 4: Fetal death ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 5: RDS‐ gestational age at trial entry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.5

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 5: RDS‐ gestational age at trial entry

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 6: IVH ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.6

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 6: IVH ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 7: Birthweight ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.7

Comparison 8: Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry, Outcome 7: Birthweight ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Summary of findings 1. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment

Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment

Patient or population: pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth receiving a corticosteroid or placebo/no treatment; women with singleton and multiple pregnancy and intact and ruptured membranes
Setting: hospital settings in high‐income countries. For example, data for RDS come from 28 trials in 15 different countries, but only one of these countries is of lower income (Tunisia)
Intervention: corticosteroids (dexamethasone or betamethasone) according to various doses and regimens; some trials with weekly repeats
Comparison: placebo (usually normal saline) or no treatment

Outcomes

Anticipated absolute effects* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

№ of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Risk with placebo or no treatment

Risk with corticosteroids

Maternal death

Study population

RR 0.98
(0.06 to 15.50)

3392
(5 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
Moderate1

RR based on 2 deaths in a single trial (1 death in each group). Four trials reported zero events

1 per 1000

1 per 1000
(0 to 9)

Chorioamnionitis

Study population

RR 0.83
(0.66 to 1.06)

5546
(15 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
Moderate2

48 per 1000

40 per 1000
(32 to 51)

Endometritis (infections)

Study population

RR 1.20
(0.87 to 1.63)

4030
(10 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
Moderate2,3

7 of 10 trials reported endometritis; the remaining trials report 'infections'

33 per 1000

39 per 1000
(27 to 59)

Perinatal deaths

Study population

average RR 0.72
(0.58 to 0.89)

6729
(15 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕
Moderate4

102 per 1000

73 per 1000
(59 to 91)

Respiratory distress syndrome

Study population

average RR 0.66
(0.56 to 0.77)

7764
(28 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕
Moderate5

176 per 1000

116 per 1000
(98 to 135)

Intraventricular haemorrhage

Study population

average RR 0.55
(0.40 to 0.76)

6093
(16 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕
Moderate6

51 per 1000

28 per 1000
(20 to 39)

Mean birthweight (grams)

(less is worse)

Absolute risks not calculated

The mean birthweight was 18.47g less (40.83g less to 3.90g more)

6182
(16 RCTs)

⊕⊕⊕
Moderate7

*The risk in the intervention group (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect
Moderate quality: we are moderately confident in the effect estimate: the true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different
Low quality: our confidence in the effect estimate is limited: the true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect
Very low quality: we have very little confidence in the effect estimate: the true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect

1Few events and wide confidence interval led to a downgrade for imprecision (‐1). Because maternal death is a rare event and the total population is over 3000 women, we have opted for (‐1) rather than (‐2).
2Wide confidence interval crossing the line of no effect (‐1).
3Value of I2 = 34% with random‐effects model. We have not downgraded evidence for heterogeneity.
4Value of I2 = 37% with random‐effects model. We have not downgraded for heterogeneity. Result downgraded once for risks of bias in included trials (‐1).
5Value of I2 = 47% with random‐effects model. We have not downgraded for heterogeneity. Result downgraded once for risks of bias in included trials (‐1).
6Value of I2 = 33% with random‐effects model. We have not downgraded for heterogeneity. Result downgraded once for risks of bias in included trials (‐1).
7The confidence interval showed a difference at most on average of 40 g in weight; because this is less than 10% of the lightest average for babies in any trial, we have not downgraded evidence for imprecision. We have downgraded the result for risks of bias concerns in included trials (‐1).

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 1. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment
Table 1. Gestational age parameters for included trials

Trial

Year

Minimum

(weeks+days)

Maximum

(weeks+days)

Amorim 1999

1999

28+0

34+6

Attawattanakul 2015

2015

34+0

36+6

Balci 2010

2010

34+0

36+6

Block 1977

1976

Not reported

36+6

Carlan 1991

1991

24+0

34+6

Cararach 1991

1994

28+0

30+6

Collaborative 1981

1981

26+0

37+0

Dexiprom 1999

1999

28+0

34+6

Doran 1980

1980

24+0

34+6

Fekih 2002

2002

26+0

34+6

Gamsu 1989

1989

Not reported

34+6

Garite 1992

1992

24+0

27+6

Goodner 1979

1979

Not reported

33+6

Gyamfi‐Bannerman 2016

2016

34+0

36+6

Kari 1994

1994

24+0

31+6

Khazardoust 2012

(no outcome data)

2012

34+0

37+0

Lewis 1996

1996

24+0

34+6

Liggins 1972b

1972

24+0

36+6

Lopez 1989

1989

27+0

35+0

Mansouri 2010

2010

35+0

36+6

Morales 1989

1989

26+0

34+6

Nelson 1985

1985

28+0

34+6

Parsons 1988

1988

25+0

32+6

Porto 2011

2011

34+0

36+6

Qublan 2001

2001

27+0

34+6

Schutte 1980

1980

26+0

32+6

Shanks 2010

2010

34+0

36+6

Silver 1996

1996

24+0

29+6

Taeusch 1979

1979

Not reported

33+6

Teramo 1980

1980

28+0

35+6

Figures and Tables -
Table 1. Gestational age parameters for included trials
Comparison 1. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1.1 Maternal death Show forest plot

5

3392

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.06, 15.50]

1.2 Chorioamnionitis Show forest plot

15

5546

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.66, 1.06]

1.3 Endometritis Show forest plot

10

4030

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.87, 1.63]

1.4 Perinatal deaths Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.58, 0.89]

1.5 Neonatal deaths Show forest plot

22

7188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

1.6 Fetal deaths Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.74, 1.30]

1.7 Respiratory distress syndrome Show forest plot

28

7764

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.56, 0.77]

1.8 Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome Show forest plot

6

1686

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.59 [0.38, 0.91]

1.9 Chronic lung disease Show forest plot

6

818

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.42, 1.79]

1.10 Intraventricular haemorrhage Show forest plot

16

6093

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.40, 0.76]

1.11 Mean birthweight (g) Show forest plot

16

6182

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐18.47 [‐40.83, 3.90]

1.12 Death in childhood Show forest plot

4

1010

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.36, 1.27]

1.13 Neurodevelopmental delay in childhood Show forest plot

1

82

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.14, 2.98]

1.14 Death into adulthood Show forest plot

1

988

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.56, 1.81]

1.15 Fever in women after trial entry requiring the use of antibiotics Show forest plot

4

481

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.43, 2.06]

1.16 Intrapartum fever in woman requiring the use of antibiotics Show forest plot

2

319

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.09, 4.89]

1.17 Side effects of therapy in women Show forest plot

6

3572

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.82]

1.18 Admission into adult intensive care unit Show forest plot

2

319

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.74 [0.26, 2.05]

1.19 Hypertension Show forest plot

1

220

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.36, 2.76]

1.20 Postnatal fever in woman Show forest plot

5

1323

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.64, 1.33]

1.21 Glucose intolerance Show forest plot

1

123

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.71 [1.14, 6.46]

1.22 Necrotising enterocolitis Show forest plot

10

4702

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.32, 0.78]

1.23 Systemic infection in the first 48 hours of life Show forest plot

8

1753

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.41, 0.88]

1.24 Proven infection while in the neonatal intensive care unit Show forest plot

13

5707

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.55, 1.08]

1.25 Need for mechanical ventilation/CPAP Show forest plot

9

1368

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.56, 0.84]

1.26 Mean duration of mechanical ventilation/CPAP (days) Show forest plot

3

471

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.91 [‐4.59, 0.76]

1.27 Mean duration of oxygen supplementation (days) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.28 Surfactant use Show forest plot

5

3556

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.51, 0.90]

1.29 Air leak syndrome Show forest plot

2

2965

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.76 [0.32, 1.80]

1.30 Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes Show forest plot

10

2419

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.67, 0.98]

1.31 Mean interval between trial entry and birth (days) Show forest plot

3

1513

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.23 [‐1.86, 2.32]

1.32 Small‐for‐gestational age Show forest plot

5

3478

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [0.96, 1.28]

1.33 Mean infant HPA axis function (cortisol) Show forest plot

1

27

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.94 [‐3.12, 11.00]

1.33.1 In babies born < 24 hours after 1st dose

1

6

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

9.00 [‐11.93, 29.93]

1.33.2 In babies born 24‐48 hours after 1st dose

1

10

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐8.68, 8.68]

1.33.3 In babies born > 48 hours after 1st dose

1

11

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

13.00 [‐1.90, 27.90]

1.34 Admission to neonatal intensive care unit Show forest plot

7

3803

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.84, 0.97]

1.35 Developmental delay in childhood Show forest plot

2

518

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.49 [0.24, 1.00]

1.36 Cerebral palsy in childhood Show forest plot

5

904

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.34, 1.03]

1.37 Mean childhood weight (kg) Show forest plot

2

333

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.30 [‐0.39, 1.00]

1.37.1 Liggins

1

250

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.40 [‐0.32, 1.12]

1.37.2 Schutte (females)

1

39

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.40 [‐6.55, 1.75]

1.37.3 Schutte (males)

1

44

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.10 [‐3.88, 3.68]

1.38 Mean childhood height (cm) Show forest plot

2

334

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [‐0.26, 2.29]

1.38.1 Liggins

1

250

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.00 [‐0.39, 2.39]

1.38.2 Schutte (females)

1

39

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.70 [‐3.08, 6.48]

1.38.3 Schutte (males)

1

45

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [‐3.79, 4.99]

1.39 Mean childhood head circumference (cm) Show forest plot

2

328

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.27 [‐0.08, 0.63]

1.39.1 Liggins

1

250

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.30 [‐0.11, 0.71]

1.39.2 Schutte (females)

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.10 [‐1.05, 0.85]

1.39.3 Schutte (males)

1

42

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [‐0.51, 1.71]

1.40 Mean childhood VC (% predicted) Show forest plot

2

150

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐1.68 [‐5.12, 1.75]

1.40.1 Liggins

1

75

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.70 [‐5.12, 6.52]

1.40.2 Schutte (females)

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.60 [‐8.65, 3.45]

1.40.3 Schutte (males)

1

39

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐3.30 [‐9.27, 2.67]

1.41 Mean childhood FEV1 (% predicted) Show forest plot

1

75

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐4.73 [‐10.13, 0.67]

1.41.1 Schutte (females)

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.50 [‐11.24, 6.24]

1.41.2 Schutte (males)

1

39

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐6.10 [‐12.96, 0.76]

1.42 Mean childhood FEV1/VC Show forest plot

2

150

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.94 [‐3.63, 1.76]

1.42.1 Liggins

1

75

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.00 [‐2.57, 4.57]

1.42.2 Schutte (females)

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐5.56, 5.56]

1.42.3 Schutte (males)

1

39

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐3.00 [‐6.14, 0.14]

1.43 Mean childhood systolic blood pressure (mmHg) Show forest plot

1

223

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐1.60 [‐4.06, 0.86]

1.44 Visual impairment in childhood Show forest plot

2

166

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.24, 1.23]

1.45 Hearing impairment in childhood Show forest plot

2

166

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.04, 9.87]

1.46 Intellectual impairment in childhood Show forest plot

3

778

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.44, 1.69]

1.47 Behavioural/learning difficulties in childhood Show forest plot

1

90

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.35, 2.09]

1.48 Mean adult insulin (log values) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.48.1 Fasting

1

435

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.08 [‐0.03, 0.19]

1.48.2 30 minutes following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test

1

412

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.16 [0.04, 0.28]

1.48.3 120 minutes following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test

1

428

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.10 [‐0.27, 0.07]

1.49 Mean adult glucose (mmol/L) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.49.1 Fasting

1

432

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.01 [‐0.09, 0.11]

1.49.2 30 minutes following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test

1

413

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.19 [‐0.14, 0.52]

1.49.3 120 minutes following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test

1

410

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.27 [‐0.52, ‐0.02]

1.50 Mean adult weight (kg) Show forest plot

2

538

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.83 [‐6.41, 4.76]

1.50.1 Schutte (females)

1

37

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐6.00 [‐12.93, 0.93]

1.50.2 Schutte (males)

1

43

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.00 [‐9.91, 7.91]

1.50.3 Liggins

1

458

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.57 [‐0.72, 5.86]

1.51 Mean adult height (cm) Show forest plot

2

537

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.91 [‐0.28, 2.10]

1.51.1 Schutte (females)

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐1.00 [‐5.37, 3.37]

1.51.2 Schutte (males)

1

43

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [‐2.30, 8.30]

1.51.3 Liggins (females)

1

234

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.17 [‐0.65, 2.99]

1.51.4 Liggins (males)

1

224

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [‐1.03, 2.53]

1.52 Mean adult head circumference (cm) Show forest plot

2

537

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.03 [‐0.33, 0.38]

1.52.1 Schutte (females)

1

37

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐1.03, 1.03]

1.52.2 Schutte (males)

1

42

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.20 [‐1.37, 0.97]

1.52.3 Liggins

1

458

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.06 [‐0.34, 0.46]

1.53 Mean adult skinfold thickness (log values) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.53.1 Triceps

1

456

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.02 [‐0.11, 0.07]

1.53.2 Biceps

1

456

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.01 [‐0.11, 0.09]

1.53.3 Subscapular

1

441

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.01 [‐0.08, 0.10]

1.53.4 Suprailiac

1

452

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.01 [‐0.12, 0.10]

1.54 Mean adult systolic blood pressure (mmHg) Show forest plot

2

545

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.53 [‐4.50, 1.44]

1.54.1 Schutte (females)

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐4.00 [‐9.12, 1.12]

1.54.2 Schutte (males)

1

52

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐3.00 [‐7.17, 1.17]

1.54.3 Liggins

1

455

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.55 [‐1.88, 2.98]

1.55 Mean adult HPA axis function (mean log fasting cortisol) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.56 Mean cholesterol in adulthood (mmol/L) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.57 Mean age at puberty (years) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.57.1 Schutte (females)

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐0.94, 0.94]

1.58 Educational achievement by adulthood (university or polytechnic education) Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.59 Visual impairment in adulthood Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.60 Hearing impairment in adulthood Show forest plot

1

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.61 Intellectual impairment in adulthood Show forest plot

2

273

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.24 [0.01, 4.95]

1.62 Mean adult FVC (% predicted) Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐3.16, 1.76]

1.63 Mean adult FEV1 (% predicted) Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.40 [‐2.31, 3.11]

1.64 Mean adult FEV1/FVC Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.01 [‐0.01, 0.03]

1.65 Mean adult PEF Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.20 [‐0.77, 5.17]

1.66 Mean adult F50 Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [‐1.57, 7.57]

1.67 Mean adult F25 Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.40 [‐3.82, 4.62]

1.68 Mean adult FEF 25%‐75% Show forest plot

1

383

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.20 [‐2.10, 6.50]

1.69 FEV1/FVC < 70% Show forest plot

1

383

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.87 [0.49, 1.57]

1.70 Asthma diagnosed by Doctor in lifetime Show forest plot

1

534

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.74, 1.30]

1.71 Wheezing in last 12 months Show forest plot

1

534

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.06 [0.84, 1.35]

1.72 Current Asthma Show forest plot

1

534

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.74, 1.48]

1.73 Further respiratory diagnosis (includes pneumonia, upper airway conditions and bronchitis) Show forest plot

1

534

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.33 [0.69, 2.59]

1.74 Spontaneous pneumothorax Show forest plot

1

534

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [0.07, 17.66]

1.75 Shortness of breath at anytime in the last 12 months Show forest plot

1

534

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.80, 1.31]

1.76 Mean adult lumbar spine aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐0.04, 0.04]

1.77 Mean adult lumbar spine vBMD (g/cm3) volumetric bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐0.01, 0.01]

1.78 Mean adult total body BMC (grams) bone mineral content Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

18.00 [‐151.30, 187.30]

1.79 Mean adult total body aBMD (g/cm3) areal bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐0.03, 0.03]

1.80 Mean adult femoral neck aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.02 [‐0.03, 0.07]

1.81 Mean adult femoral trochanter aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.02 [‐0.02, 0.06]

1.82 Mean adult femoral shaft aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.01 [‐0.04, 0.06]

1.83 Mean total proximal femur aBMD (g/cm2) areal bone mineral density Show forest plot

1

174

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.02 [‐0.03, 0.07]

1.84 Mean length of antenatal hospitalisation (days) Show forest plot

1

218

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [‐1.40, 2.40]

1.85 Mean length of postnatal hospitalisation (days) Show forest plot

1

218

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.00 [‐1.72, 1.72]

1.86 Mean length of neonatal hospitalisation (days) Show forest plot

5

788

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.18 [‐0.51, 0.87]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 1. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment
Comparison 2. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

2.1 Chorioamnionitis ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

15

5546

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.66, 1.06]

2.1.1 In women delivering singleton pregnancies

7

4682

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.56, 1.01]

2.1.2 In women delivering multiple pregnancies

1

74

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.42 [0.04, 4.49]

2.1.3 Mixed population

8

790

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.70, 1.57]

2.2 Perinatal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.59, 0.89]

2.2.1 In babies born from singleton pregnancies

6

5182

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.54, 1.05]

2.2.2 In babies born from multiple pregnancies

2

252

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.74 [0.37, 1.47]

2.2.3 Mixed population

9

1295

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.49, 0.94]

2.3 Neonatal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

22

7188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

2.3.1 In babies born from singleton pregnancies

9

5335

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.61, 0.92]

2.3.2 In babies born from multiple pregnancies

2

236

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.39, 1.61]

2.3.3 Mixed population

13

1617

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.46, 0.78]

2.4 Fetal death ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.73, 1.29]

2.4.1 In babies born from singleton pregnancies

6

5182

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.75, 1.45]

2.4.2 In babies born from multiple pregnancies

2

252

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.53 [0.20, 1.40]

2.4.3 Mixed population

9

1295

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.50, 1.99]

2.5 Respiratory distress syndrome ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

28

7762

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.59, 0.78]

2.5.1 In babies born from singleton pregnancies

15

6081

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.62 [0.50, 0.77]

2.5.2 In babies born from multiple pregnancies

4

320

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.67, 1.22]

2.5.3 Mixed population

13

1361

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.53, 0.89]

2.6 IVH ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

16

6093

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.56 [0.44, 0.70]

2.6.1 In babies born from singleton pregnancies

8

4782

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.52 [0.36, 0.75]

2.6.2 In babies born from multiple pregnancies

1

137

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.39 [0.07, 2.06]

2.6.3 Mixed population

8

1174

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.44, 0.81]

2.7 Birthweight ‐ single or multiple pregnancy Show forest plot

16

6182

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐17.61 [‐39.95, 4.74]

2.7.1 In babies born from singleton pregnancy

9

4948

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐24.12 [‐48.27, 0.03]

2.7.2 In babies born from multiple pregnancies

1

150

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

82.36 [‐146.23, 310.95]

2.7.3 Mixed population

7

1084

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

16.77 [‐44.16, 77.69]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 2. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ single or multiple pregnancy
Comparison 3. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

3.1 Chorioamnionitis ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

15

5517

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.85 [0.67, 1.07]

3.1.1 In women with intact membranes at 1st dose

5

1437

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.50, 1.40]

3.1.2 In women with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

7

959

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.69, 1.40]

3.1.3 Not reported or mixed population

4

3121

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.47, 1.06]

3.2 Endometritis ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

10

4030

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.80, 1.80]

3.2.1 In women with intact membranes at 1st dose

2

289

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.21 [0.37, 4.01]

3.2.2 In women with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

4

477

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.35, 2.97]

3.2.3 Not reported or mixed population

5

3264

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.31 [0.81, 2.13]

3.3 Perinatal death ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

15

6700

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.74 [0.60, 0.90]

3.3.1 In babies born from pregnancies with intact membranes at 1st dose

4

1332

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.87 [0.70, 1.08]

3.3.2 In babies born from pregnancies with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

4

733

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.59 [0.39, 0.90]

3.3.3 Not reported or mixed population

8

4635

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.49, 1.03]

3.4 Neonatal deaths ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

22

7163

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

3.4.1 In babies born from pregnancies with intact membranes at 1st dose

4

1236

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.58, 1.03]

3.4.2 In babies born from pregnancies with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

8

1024

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.46, 0.83]

3.4.3 Not reported or mixed population

11

4903

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.53, 0.88]

3.5 Fetal death ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

15

6634

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.71, 1.26]

3.5.1 In babies born from pregnancies with intact membranes at 1st dose

4

1332

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.09 [0.73, 1.64]

3.5.2 In babies born from pregnancies with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

5

790

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.46, 1.61]

3.5.3 Not reported or mixed population

7

4512

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.44, 1.35]

3.6 RDS ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

28

7738

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.65 [0.56, 0.76]

3.6.1 In babies born from pregnancies with intact membranes at 1st dose

6

1721

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.63 [0.50, 0.80]

3.6.2 In babies born from pregnancies with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

12

1129

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.55, 0.90]

3.6.3 Not reported or mixed population

14

4888

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.46, 0.81]

3.7 IVH ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

15

5868

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.56 [0.44, 0.70]

3.7.1 In babies born from pregnancies with intact membranes at 1st dose

5

1394

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.35, 0.72]

3.7.2 In babies born from pregnancies with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

5

895

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.47 [0.28, 0.79]

3.7.3 Not reported or mixed population

6

3579

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.49, 1.07]

3.8 Birthweight ‐ intact or ruptured membranes Show forest plot

16

6153

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐19.52 [‐41.81, 2.78]

3.8.1 In babies born from pregnancies with intact membranes at 1st dose

4

1301

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐30.27 [‐100.43, 39.89]

3.8.2 In babies born from pregnancies with ruptured membranes at 1st dose

5

835

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐49.72 [‐113.91, 14.46]

3.8.3 Not reported or mixed population

8

4017

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐13.44 [‐38.71, 11.83]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 3. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ intact membranes versus ruptured membranes at first dose
Comparison 4. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

4.1 RDS Show forest plot

28

7764

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.60, 0.74]

4.1.1 Hypertension syndrome

5

382

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.35, 0.72]

4.1.2 No hypertension syndrome or hypertension syndromes excluded

9

2660

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.58 [0.47, 0.71]

4.1.3 Hypertension not reported separately

18

4722

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.66, 0.85]

4.2 Perinatal deaths Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.74 [0.60, 0.92]

4.2.1 Hypertension syndrome

2

313

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.42, 2.10]

4.2.2 No hypertension syndrome or hypertension syndromes excluded

3

1394

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.39, 1.29]

4.2.3 Hypertension not reported separately

11

5022

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.52, 0.93]

4.3 Fetal deaths Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.74, 1.30]

4.3.1 Women with hypertension syndrome

3

331

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.73 [0.91, 3.28]

4.3.2 No hypertension syndrome or hypertension syndromes excluded

4

1644

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.73 [0.49, 1.08]

4.3.3 Hypertension not reported separately

10

4754

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.15 [0.67, 1.98]

4.4 Neonatal deaths Show forest plot

22

7188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

4.4.1 Hypertension syndrome

2

278

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.29, 0.87]

4.4.2 No hypertension syndrome or hypertension syndromes excluded

3

1306

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.61, 1.09]

4.4.3 Hypertension not reported separately

18

5604

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.54, 0.82]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 4. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ hypertension syndrome versus all other trials
Comparison 5. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

5.1 Chorioamnionitis ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

15

5546

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.66, 1.06]

5.1.1 In women treated with dexamethasone

5

769

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.35 [0.89, 2.05]

5.1.2 In women treated with betamethasone

10

4777

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.50, 0.90]

5.2 Endometritis ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

10

4030

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.81, 1.80]

5.2.1 In women treated with dexamethasone

4

536

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.71 [0.86, 3.43]

5.2.2 In women treated with betamethasone

6

3494

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.96 [0.63, 1.45]

5.3 Perinatal death ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.58, 0.89]

5.3.1 In babies treated with dexamethasone

5

1420

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.46, 1.11]

5.3.2 In babies treated with betamethasone

10

5309

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.73 [0.56, 0.94]

5.4 Neonatal deaths by steroid type Show forest plot

22

7188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

5.4.1 In babies treated with dexamethasone

6

1468

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.55, 0.94]

5.4.2 In babies treated with betamethasone

16

5720

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.55, 0.83]

5.5 Fetal death ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.74, 1.30]

5.5.1 In babies treated with dexamethasone

5

1420

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.88 [0.48, 1.60]

5.5.2 In babies treated with betamethasone

10

5309

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.73, 1.39]

5.6 Respiratory distress syndrome ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

28

7764

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.56, 0.77]

5.6.1 In babies treated with dexamethasone

7

1651

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.61, 0.98]

5.6.2 In babies treated with betamethasone

20

6095

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.50, 0.73]

5.6.3 Steroid type not reported

1

18

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.62 [0.08, 34.66]

5.7 IVH ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

16

6093

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.40, 0.76]

5.7.1 In babies treated with dexamethasone

6

897

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.48 [0.18, 1.26]

5.7.2 In babies treated with betamethasone

10

5196

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.53 [0.40, 0.72]

5.8 Birthweight ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

16

6182

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐18.47 [‐40.83, 3.90]

5.8.1 In babies treated with dexamethasone

4

686

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐17.04 [‐75.48, 41.41]

5.8.2 In babies treated with betamethasone

12

5496

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐18.71 [‐42.92, 5.50]

5.9 Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

6

1686

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.59 [0.38, 0.91]

5.9.1 Dexamethasone

2

219

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.82 [0.46, 1.44]

5.9.2 Betamethasone

4

1467

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.49 [0.27, 0.90]

5.10 Chronic lung disease ‐ type of steroid Show forest plot

6

818

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.42, 1.79]

5.10.1 Dexamethasone

2

219

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.17 [0.72, 1.90]

5.10.2 Betamethasone

4

599

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.78 [0.26, 2.28]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 5. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ type of steroid
Comparison 6. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

6.1 Chorioamnionitis ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

15

5546

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.66, 1.06]

6.1.1 In women from trials conducted in 1970s

2

1237

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.74 [0.46, 1.17]

6.1.2 In women from trials conducted in 1980s

3

276

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.25, 1.01]

6.1.3 In women from trials conducted in 1990s

6

755

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.18 [0.80, 1.74]

6.1.4 in women from trials conducted in the 2000's

2

257

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.02 [0.59, 6.95]

6.1.5 In trials from 2010s

2

3021

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.35, 1.07]

6.2 Endometritis ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

10

4030

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.87, 1.63]

6.2.1 In women from trials conducted in 1970s

2

219

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.86 [0.81, 4.27]

6.2.2 In women from trials conducted in 1980s

1

71

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.30 [0.88, 6.06]

6.2.3 In women from trials conducted in 1990s

4

574

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.87 [0.53, 1.44]

6.2.4 In women from trials conducted in the 2000's

3

3166

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.18 [0.69, 2.01]

6.3 Perinatal deaths ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.58, 0.89]

6.3.1 In babies from trials conducted in 1970s

6

1994

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.50, 1.00]

6.3.2 In babies from trials conducted in 1980s

3

879

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.74, 1.42]

6.3.3 In babies from trials conducted in 1990s

3

615

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.63 [0.43, 0.93]

6.3.4 in babies from trials conducted in 2000's

2

414

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.47 [0.31, 0.70]

6.3.5 In trials conducted in 2010s

1

2827

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.91 [0.24, 102.09]

6.4 Neonatal deaths decade of trial Show forest plot

22

7188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

6.4.1 In babies from trials conducted in 1970s

7

1968

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.56, 0.92]

6.4.2 In babies from trials conducted in 1980s

6

1096

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.70, 1.37]

6.4.3 In babies from trials conducted in 1990s

5

758

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.36, 0.84]

6.4.4 In babies from trials conducted in 2000s

3

539

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.44 [0.31, 0.64]

6.4.5 In trials conducted in 2010s

1

2827

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.91 [0.24, 102.09]

6.5 Fetal death ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.74, 1.30]

6.5.1 In babies from trials conducted in 1970s

6

1994

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.67, 1.34]

6.5.2 In babies from trials conducted in 1980s

3

879

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.52, 2.00]

6.5.3 In babies from trials conducted in 1990s

3

615

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.07 [0.49, 2.36]

6.5.4 In babies from trials conducted in 2000's

2

414

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.19, 4.50]

6.5.5 In trials conducted in 2010s

1

2827

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Not estimable

6.6 RDS ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

28

7764

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.60, 0.74]

6.6.1 In babies from trials conducted in 1970s

7

1939

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.54 [0.43, 0.69]

6.6.2 In babies from trials conducted in 1980s

7

1167

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.59, 0.88]

6.6.3 In babies from trials conducted in 1990s

7

798

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.65, 0.91]

6.6.4 In babies from trials conducted in 2000s

5

839

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.39 [0.26, 0.59]

6.6.5 In trials from 2010s

2

3021

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.61, 1.04]

6.7 IVH ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

16

6093

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.56 [0.44, 0.70]

6.7.1 In babies from trials conducted in 1970s

4

1646

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.29, 0.85]

6.7.2 In babies from trials conducted in 1980s

2

238

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.39, 0.94]

6.7.3 In babies from trials conducted in 1990s

5

722

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.42, 0.87]

6.7.4 In babies from trials conducted in 2000s

3

466

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.15, 0.73]

6.7.5 In trials from 2010s

2

3021

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.91 [0.24, 102.09]

6.8 Birthweight ‐ decade of trial Show forest plot

16

6182

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐18.47 [‐40.83, 3.90]

6.8.1 In babies from trials conducted in 1970s

4

1739

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐9.54 [‐83.55, 64.47]

6.8.2 In babies from trials conducted in 1980s

3

280

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐19.60 [‐108.55, 69.35]

6.8.3 In babies from trials conducted in 1990s

4

569

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐33.13 [‐102.39, 36.13]

6.8.4 In babies from trials conducted in 2000s

3

573

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐20.77 [‐61.95, 20.41]

6.8.5 In trials in 2010s

2

3021

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐15.18 [‐48.66, 18.29]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 6. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ decade of trial
Comparison 7. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

7.1 Chorioamnionitis ‐ Protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

15

5546

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.66, 1.06]

7.1.1 In women treated with single courses only

7

4659

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.61, 1.11]

7.1.2 In women treated with courses including weekly repeats

8

887

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.84 [0.57, 1.25]

7.2 Endometritis ‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

10

4030

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.81, 1.80]

7.2.1 In women treated with single courses only

5

3450

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.66, 1.64]

7.2.2 In women treated with courses including weekly repeats

5

580

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.46 [0.72, 2.95]

7.3 Perinatal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.58, 0.89]

7.3.1 In babies treated with single course only

11

6250

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.61, 0.99]

7.3.2 In babies treated with courses including weekly repeats

4

479

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.65 [0.44, 0.97]

7.4 Neonatal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

22

7188

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.81]

7.4.1 In babies treated with single course only

14

6266

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.78 [0.63, 0.95]

7.4.2 In babies treated with courses including weekly repeats

8

922

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.43, 0.72]

7.5 Fetal death ‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

15

6729

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.74, 1.30]

7.5.1 In babies treated with single course only

11

6250

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.68, 1.25]

7.5.2 In babies treated with courses including weekly repeats

4

479

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.36 [0.64, 2.87]

7.6 RDS ‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

28

7764

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.60, 0.74]

7.6.1 In babies treated with single course only

19

6818

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.61, 0.79]

7.6.2 In babies treated with courses including weekly repeats

9

946

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.52, 0.72]

7.7 IVH‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

16

6093

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.56 [0.44, 0.70]

7.7.1 In babies treated with single course only

9

5216

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.33, 0.76]

7.7.2 In babies treated with courses including weekly repeats

7

877

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.59 [0.45, 0.78]

7.8 Birthweight ‐ protocol with weekly repeats Show forest plot

16

6182

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐18.47 [‐40.83, 3.90]

7.8.1 In babies treated with single course only

12

5773

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐18.24 [‐42.12, 5.65]

7.8.2 In babies treated with courses including weekly repeats

4

409

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐20.10 [‐83.79, 43.60]

7.9 Moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome Show forest plot

6

1686

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.59 [0.38, 0.91]

7.9.1 Single course

3

1259

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.44, 0.83]

7.9.2 Weekly repeats

3

427

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.13, 1.32]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 7. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ weekly repeats
Comparison 8. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

8.1 Chorioamnionitis ‐ gestational age at trial entry Show forest plot

15

5506

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.82 [0.65, 1.05]

8.1.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

13

2304

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.70, 1.19]

8.1.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

3

3202

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.57 [0.33, 0.99]

8.2 Perinatal death ‐ gestational age at trial entry Show forest plot

15

6687

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.59, 0.88]

8.2.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

13

3391

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.58, 0.87]

8.2.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

3

3296

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.03 [0.29, 3.67]

8.3 Neonatal death ‐ gestational age at trial engry Show forest plot

22

7146

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.57, 0.79]

8.3.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

20

3855

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.57, 0.79]

8.3.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

3

3291

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.22, 3.07]

8.4 Fetal death ‐ gestational age at trial entry Show forest plot

15

6687

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.96 [0.72, 1.27]

8.4.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

13

3391

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.71, 1.25]

8.4.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

3

3296

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.62 [0.28, 9.37]

8.5 RDS‐ gestational age at trial entry Show forest plot

28

7722

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.60, 0.73]

8.5.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

23

3939

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.65 [0.58, 0.73]

8.5.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

6

3783

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.56, 0.91]

8.6 IVH ‐ gestational age at trial entry Show forest plot

16

6051

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.44, 0.70]

8.6.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

13

2639

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.54 [0.42, 0.68]

8.6.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

4

3412

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.91 [0.24, 102.09]

8.7 Birthweight ‐ gestational age at trial entry Show forest plot

16

6140

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐17.45 [‐39.76, 4.86]

8.7.1 Less than or equal to 35 weeks + 0 days

11

2352

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐17.89 [‐63.14, 27.36]

8.7.2 Greater than or equal to 34 weeks + 0 days

6

3788

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐17.31 [‐42.96, 8.34]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 8. Corticosteroids versus placebo or no treatment ‐ gestational age at trial entry