The use of dexamethasone in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes--a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Dexiprom Study Group.

Abstract

This is the first randomised trial in women with PPROM to compare the effects of the use of corticosteroids with placebo, where all women received prophylactic antibiotics concomitantly with the corticosteroids. A trend towards an improved perinatal outcome was demonstrated in the women who received dexamethasone. There was no increased risk of infection in the women or their infants where dexamethasone was administered. Administration of corticosteroids to women with PPROM has more advantages than disadvantages in developing countries.