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The WHO ACTION (Antenatal CorticosTeroids for Improving Outcomes in Preterm Newborns) Trials

Phase 4
Conditions
Late preterm birth
Registration Number
PACTR202105463874444
Lead Sponsor
World Health Organization
Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
Pending
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
2520
Inclusion Criteria

•Gestational age from 34 weeks 0 days to 36 weeks 5 days
•High probability of late preterm birth (up to 36+6 weeks) defined as birth expected between 12 hours and 7 days after randomization as a result of:
A. Membrane rupture without preterm labour (where preterm labour is defined as at least 6 regular uterine contractions/ hr and any one of the following: cervical dilatation of = 3 cm or effacement =75%). OR
B. Preterm labour with intact membranes, defined as at least 6 regular contractions/hr and one of the following: (i) cervix =3cm dilated or (ii) 75% effaced; OR
C . Planned delivery by induction of labour or caesarean section between 24hours and 7 days, as deemed necessary by the provider. An induction must be scheduled to start by 36+5 weeks at the latest, whereas a caesarean delivery must be scheduled by 36+6 weeks at the latest
•Singleton or multiple pregnancies, where the foetus/es (or at least one foetus in a multiple pregnancy) is/are confirmed alive by doppler or USG
•Women with no clinical signs of severe infection (as per obstetric care physician’s assessment)
•Women willing and able to provide consent (or if a minor, provides assent and guardian provides consent)

Women with the following conditions will be eligible. Any comorbid conditions will be managed according to local guidelines, and in line with WHO recommendations:
oWomen with a history of previous preterm birth
oWomen with hypertensive disorders
oWomen with a growth impaired foetus
oWomen with pre-gestational or gestational diabetes
oWomen with HIV/AIDs

Exclusion Criteria

•Ruptured membranes with cervix dilated = 3cm or effaced =75%, or with more than 6 contractions per hour (or both)
•Cervical dilation = 8 cm with intact membranes
•Clinical suspicion or evidence of clinical chorioamnionitis or severe infection, as per obstetric care physician assessment
•Evidence of non-reassuring foetal status requiring immediate delivery
•Major or lethal congenital foetal anomaly identified
•No prior ultrasound-based estimate of gestational age available and immediate ultrasound examination is not possible
•Any systemic corticosteroid use during the current pregnancy (outside of trial)
•Unwilling or unable to provide consent or assent (including due to active labour)
•Currently a participant in another clinical trial related to maternal and neonatal health, or previously participated in any ACTION trial
•Any other clinical indication where the treating clinician considers corticosteroids to be contraindicated

Study & Design

Study Type
Interventional
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
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