ARCH
Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The University of Adelaide

Women's and Children's Hospital
King William Road
North Adelaide SA 5006
AUSTRALIA
Email

Phone: +61 8 8161 7619
Facsimile: +61 8 8161 7652

Prenatal Repeat Corticosteroid International IPD Study Group: assessing the effects using the best level of Evidence (PRECISE) Study

This study aims, using individual patient data meta-analyses on data already collected from 11 individual randomised controlled trials, to assess whether the effects on important clinical outcomes of administration modify treatment effects of repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment given to women at risk of preterm birth, differ, in a clinically meaningful way, depending on:

The reason the woman was considered to be at risk of preterm birth (such as preterm labour, the presence or absence of ruptured membranes, antepartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, suspected fetal jeopardy, cervical incompetence, infection at time of entry and multiple pregnancy).
The primary reason repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment was given (‘rescue therapy' when preterm birth is imminent or prophylaxis).
The number of babies in-utero (singleton, twin or higher order multiple pregnancy).
The gestational age when repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment was given.
The time prior to birth repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment was given.
The type, mode of administration and dosage of repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment given.

The study entitled 'Prenatal Repeat Corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm birth for improving neonatal health - an individual patient data review' has received NHMRC funding for 2011 - 2013 and an international PRECISE Collaborators Study Group has been formed including representatives from the 11 trials.

Publications

Crowther CA, Aghajafari F, Askie LM, Asztalos EV, Brocklehurst P, Bubner TK, Doyle LW, Dutta S, Garite TJ, Guinn DA et al: Repeat prenatal corticosteroid prior to preterm birth: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis for the PRECISE study group (prenatal repeat corticosteroid international IPD study group: assessing the effects using the best level of evidence) - study protocol. BMC Systematic Reviews 2012, 1(12):doi:10.1186/2046-4053-1181-1112. (Protocol).