The WHO ACTION-III (Antenatal CorticosTeroids for Improving Outcomes in preterm Newborns) Trial

Overview

A multi-country, multi-centre, three-arm, parallel group, double-blind, placebocontrolled, randomized trial of two doses of antenatal corticosteroids for women with a high probability of birth in the late preterm period in hospitals in low-resource countries to improve newborn outcomes.

The aim of this trial is to assess the benefits and possible harms of two regimens of antenatal corticosteroids, dexamethasone phosphate 4x6mg IM q12h and betamethasone phosphate 4x2mg IM q12h, compared to placebo, when given to pregnant women in the late preterm period (gestation age of 34+0 to 36+5 weeks) when they are at risk of preterm birth.