Premature rupture of membranes at preterm. Meta-analysis of the effect of steroids on the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome

The use of steroids in premature rupture of the membranes is controversial. We used meta-analysis of published results to evaluate the effect of steroid treatment to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome associated to premature rupture of the membranes and found that a 30% reduction in the rate of this complication was observed in patients receiving steroids. The 95% confidence interval for relative risk was 0.610 to 0.815. However, infectious complication of the mother increased (mean relative risk 1.68, 95% Cl 1.16-2.44) but not those of the neonate. These results support the use of steroids in order to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes.