The effect of antenatal dexamethasone administration on the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm gestations with premature rupture of membranes.

A prospective blinded randomized study was carried out to determine the effect of antepartum administration of dexamethasone on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in 250 patients with gestations between 28 and 33 weeks complicated by premature rupture of membranes. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was not lowered by the length of rupture of membranes in the 124 untreated patients. The overall incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was reduced from 51% to 25% by the administration of corticosteroids. Further, the dexamethasone-treated group had a statistical significant reduction in the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, total time of hospitalization, and average cost per patient. No statistical difference was encountered in the incidence of maternal or neonatal sepsis.