Corticosteroids after preterm premature rupture of membranes.

A review of all relevant randomized controlled trials provides strong evidence that corticosteroid therapy causes a significant reduction in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm babies overall. This reduction in RDS is accompanied by a reduced incidence of neonatal death, intraventricular hemorrhages, and necrotizing enterocolitis. These benefits are also seen in cases of PROM. Corticosteroid therapy in PROM is associated with a trend toward an increase in neonatal infection.