Scolaris Content Display Scolaris Content Display

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 1 Maternal death.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 1 Maternal death.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 2 Maternal death or severe morbidity.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 2 Maternal death or severe morbidity.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 3 Perinatal/infant death.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 3 Perinatal/infant death.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 4 Maternal liver hematoma, rupture or failure.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 4 Maternal liver hematoma, rupture or failure.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 5 Maternal pulmonary edema.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 5 Maternal pulmonary edema.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 6 Maternal renal failure.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 6 Maternal renal failure.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 7 Eclampsia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 7 Eclampsia.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 8 Caesarean section or elective delivery including induction of labor.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 8 Caesarean section or elective delivery including induction of labor.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 9 Length of stay in hospital or obstetrical delivery room for the mother.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 9 Length of stay in hospital or obstetrical delivery room for the mother.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 10 Need for dialysis.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 10 Need for dialysis.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 11 Abruptio placenta.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 11 Abruptio placenta.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 12 Respiratory distress syndrome with/without ventilatory support.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 12 Respiratory distress syndrome with/without ventilatory support.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 13 Intracerebral hemorrhage.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 13 Intracerebral hemorrhage.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 14 Necrotizing enterocolitis.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 14 Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 15 Gestational age at delivery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.15

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 15 Gestational age at delivery.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 16 Retinopathy of prematurity/retrolental fibroplasia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.16

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 16 Retinopathy of prematurity/retrolental fibroplasia.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 17 Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.17

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 17 Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 18 Length of stay in hospital or special care nursery/NICU (days).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.18

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 18 Length of stay in hospital or special care nursery/NICU (days).

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 19 Long‐term growth and development ‐ head circumference < 2 SD at 24 months.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.19

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 19 Long‐term growth and development ‐ head circumference < 2 SD at 24 months.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 20 Long‐term growth and development ‐ Abnormal Griffiths or BSID scales at 24 months.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.20

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 20 Long‐term growth and development ‐ Abnormal Griffiths or BSID scales at 24 months.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 21 Days of mechanical ventilation required (days).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.21

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 21 Days of mechanical ventilation required (days).

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 22 Platelet count or rate of change of platelet count.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.22

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 22 Platelet count or rate of change of platelet count.

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 23 AST level or rate of change of AST level (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.23

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 23 AST level or rate of change of AST level (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 24 ALT level or rate of change of ALT level (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.24

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 24 ALT level or rate of change of ALT level (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 25 LDH level or rate of change of LDH level (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.25

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 25 LDH level or rate of change of LDH level (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 26 Diastolic blood pressure or rate of change of mean arterial blood pressure (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.26

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 26 Diastolic blood pressure or rate of change of mean arterial blood pressure (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 27 Rate of change of urinary output (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.27

Comparison 1 Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control, Outcome 27 Rate of change of urinary output (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 1 Maternal death.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 1 Maternal death.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 2 Maternal death or severe morbidity.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 2 Maternal death or severe morbidity.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 3 Perinatal/infant death.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 3 Perinatal/infant death.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 4 Severe perinatal/infant morbidity or death.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 4 Severe perinatal/infant morbidity or death.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 5 Maternal pulmonary edema.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 5 Maternal pulmonary edema.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 6 Caesarean section.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 6 Caesarean section.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 7 Length of stay in hospital or obstetrical delivery room for the mother.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 7 Length of stay in hospital or obstetrical delivery room for the mother.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 8 Respiratory distress syndrome with/without ventilatory support.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 8 Respiratory distress syndrome with/without ventilatory support.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 9 Intracerebral hemorrhage.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.9

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 9 Intracerebral hemorrhage.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 10 Necrotizing enterocolitis.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.10

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 10 Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 11 Gestational age at delivery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.11

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 11 Gestational age at delivery.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 12 Fetal sepsis or infection.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.12

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 12 Fetal sepsis or infection.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 13 Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.13

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 13 Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 14 Length of stay in hospital or special care nursery/NICU.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.14

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 14 Length of stay in hospital or special care nursery/NICU.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 15 Use of mechanical ventilation.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.15

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 15 Use of mechanical ventilation.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 16 Adjusted time averaged change in platelet count.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.16

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 16 Adjusted time averaged change in platelet count.

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 17 Adjusted time averaged change in AST level (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.17

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 17 Adjusted time averaged change in AST level (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 18 Adjusted time averaged change in LDH level (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.18

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 18 Adjusted time averaged change in LDH level (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 19 Adjusted time averaged change in mean arterial pressure (mmHg) (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.19

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 19 Adjusted time averaged change in mean arterial pressure (mmHg) (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 20 Adjusted time averaged change in urinary output (*non pre‐specified outcome).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.20

Comparison 2 Dexamethasone versus betamethasone, Outcome 20 Adjusted time averaged change in urinary output (*non pre‐specified outcome).

Comparison 1. Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Maternal death Show forest plot

5

362

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.28, 3.21]

1.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

91

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.02, 8.08]

1.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

2

139

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.13, 3.46]

1.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.32, 28.10]

2 Maternal death or severe morbidity Show forest plot

1

31

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.27 [0.03, 2.12]

2.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

31

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.27 [0.03, 2.12]

2.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Perinatal/infant death Show forest plot

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.21, 1.97]

3.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.21, 1.97]

3.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4 Maternal liver hematoma, rupture or failure Show forest plot

2

91

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.22 [0.03, 1.83]

4.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

91

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.22 [0.03, 1.83]

4.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

4.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

5 Maternal pulmonary edema Show forest plot

3

297

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.24, 2.48]

5.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.0 [0.07, 15.26]

5.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

105

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.07, 1.72]

5.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.32, 28.10]

6 Maternal renal failure Show forest plot

3

297

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.39, 1.22]

6.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.12, 3.71]

6.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

105

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.30, 1.42]

6.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.28, 2.04]

7 Eclampsia Show forest plot

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.8 [0.34, 1.90]

7.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

7.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

7.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.8 [0.34, 1.90]

8 Caesarean section or elective delivery including induction of labor Show forest plot

2

91

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.79, 1.29]

8.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

91

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.79, 1.29]

8.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

8.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

9 Length of stay in hospital or obstetrical delivery room for the mother Show forest plot

5

354

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.15 [‐2.77, 0.46]

9.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

91

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.04 [‐0.87, 0.96]

9.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

2

135

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐2.27 [‐6.38, 1.83]

9.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

1

128

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.70 [‐5.57, 2.17]

10 Need for dialysis Show forest plot

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 70.83]

10.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 70.83]

10.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

10.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

11 Abruptio placenta Show forest plot

1

31

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.07 [0.07, 15.57]

11.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

31

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.07 [0.07, 15.57]

11.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

11.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

12 Respiratory distress syndrome with/without ventilatory support Show forest plot

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.45, 2.03]

12.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.45, 2.03]

12.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

12.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

13 Intracerebral hemorrhage Show forest plot

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.31 [0.58, 9.28]

13.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.31 [0.58, 9.28]

13.2 Treatement commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

13.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

14 Necrotizing enterocolitis Show forest plot

1

33

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.21 [0.01, 4.10]

14.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

33

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.21 [0.01, 4.10]

14.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

14.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

15 Gestational age at delivery Show forest plot

1

33

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐1.30, 0.70]

15.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

33

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐1.30, 0.70]

15.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

15.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

16 Retinopathy of prematurity/retrolental fibroplasia Show forest plot

1

25

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.36 [0.02, 8.05]

16.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

25

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.36 [0.02, 8.05]

16.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

16.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

17 Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7 Show forest plot

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.89 [0.27, 2.95]

17.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

58

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.89 [0.27, 2.95]

17.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

17.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

18 Length of stay in hospital or special care nursery/NICU (days) Show forest plot

1

33

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐3.80 [‐19.60, 12.00]

18.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

33

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐3.80 [‐19.60, 12.00]

18.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

18.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

19 Long‐term growth and development ‐ head circumference < 2 SD at 24 months Show forest plot

1

20

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.0 [0.27, 92.62]

19.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

20

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.0 [0.27, 92.62]

20 Long‐term growth and development ‐ Abnormal Griffiths or BSID scales at 24 months Show forest plot

1

20

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.22, 2.52]

20.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

20

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.22, 2.52]

20.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

20.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

21 Days of mechanical ventilation required (days) Show forest plot

1

33

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [‐9.10, 10.70]

21.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

33

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [‐9.10, 10.70]

21.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

0

0

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

21.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

22 Platelet count or rate of change of platelet count Show forest plot

3

90

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.24, 1.10]

22.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.25, 1.35]

22.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

34

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.47 [‐0.21, 1.16]

22.3 Treatment commencement mixed or uncertain

0

0

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

23 AST level or rate of change of AST level (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.55 [‐1.09, ‐0.02]

23.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.55 [‐1.09, ‐0.02]

24 ALT level or rate of change of ALT level (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐1.12, ‐0.04]

24.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐1.12, ‐0.04]

25 LDH level or rate of change of LDH level (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

46

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.76 [‐1.40, ‐0.11]

25.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

46

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.76 [‐1.40, ‐0.11]

26 Diastolic blood pressure or rate of change of mean arterial blood pressure (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.26 [‐0.79, 0.27]

26.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

2

56

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.26 [‐0.79, 0.27]

27 Rate of change of urinary output (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

1

25

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.49 [1.83, 5.15]

27.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

25

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.49 [1.83, 5.15]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 1. Any corticosteroid versus placebo or control
Comparison 2. Dexamethasone versus betamethasone

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Maternal death Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

1.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2 Maternal death or severe morbidity Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

2.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

3 Perinatal/infant death Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.15, 6.17]

3.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.15, 6.17]

4 Severe perinatal/infant morbidity or death Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.27, 1.48]

4.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.27, 1.48]

5 Maternal pulmonary edema Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

5.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

6 Caesarean section Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.47, 1.33]

6.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.47, 1.33]

7 Length of stay in hospital or obstetrical delivery room for the mother Show forest plot

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐7.50 [‐24.29, 9.29]

7.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐7.50 [‐24.29, 9.29]

8 Respiratory distress syndrome with/without ventilatory support Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.19, 1.60]

8.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.19, 1.60]

9 Intracerebral hemorrhage Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

9.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

10 Necrotizing enterocolitis Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

10.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

11 Gestational age at delivery Show forest plot

1

43

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.60 [‐3.35, 2.15]

11.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.60 [‐3.35, 2.15]

12 Fetal sepsis or infection Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.78 [0.24, 94.12]

12.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.78 [0.24, 94.12]

13 Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7 Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.22, 4.21]

13.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.22, 4.21]

14 Length of stay in hospital or special care nursery/NICU Show forest plot

1

43

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐5.40 [‐18.86, 8.06]

14.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐5.40 [‐18.86, 8.06]

15 Use of mechanical ventilation Show forest plot

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.19, 1.60]

15.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

43

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.19, 1.60]

16 Adjusted time averaged change in platelet count Show forest plot

2

76

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

6.02 [1.71, 10.33]

16.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

8.1 [6.23, 9.97]

16.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.70 [0.96, 6.44]

17 Adjusted time averaged change in AST level (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

76

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐18.80 [‐41.34, 3.74]

17.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐30.30 [‐36.06, ‐24.54]

17.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐7.30 [‐13.11, ‐1.49]

18 Adjusted time averaged change in LDH level (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

76

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐73.40 [‐113.13, ‐33.67]

18.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐54.20 [‐88.22, ‐20.18]

18.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐94.80 [‐133.54, ‐56.06]

19 Adjusted time averaged change in mean arterial pressure (mmHg) (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

76

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐7.64 [‐8.27, ‐7.01]

19.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐7.50 [‐8.37, ‐6.63]

19.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐7.80 [‐8.71, ‐6.89]

20 Adjusted time averaged change in urinary output (*non pre‐specified outcome) Show forest plot

2

76

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

16.73 [0.47, 32.99]

20.1 Treatment commenced antenatally

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

24.8 [19.58, 30.02]

20.2 Treatment commenced postnatally

1

36

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

8.20 [0.69, 15.71]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 2. Dexamethasone versus betamethasone