Programmatic implications of conducting two concurrent trials of ACS, considering possible scenarios of effects on newborn mortality outcome
| Early preterm period (ACTION-I Trial) | ||||
| Shows reduction in newborn mortality | Shows no reduction in newborn mortality | Shows increase in newborn mortality | ||
| Late preterm period (ACTION-II Trial) | Shows reduction in newborn mortality | Use ACS 26 to 36 weeks | Unlikely to occur | Unlikely to occur |
| Shows no reduction in newborn mortality | Use ACS at 26 to <34 weeks Gestational age threshold not critical for safety | Do not use ACS | Do not use ACS | |
| Shows increase in newborn mortality | Use ACS at 26 to <34 weeks GA threshold is critical for safety | Do not use ACS | Do not use ACS | |
ACS, antenatal corticosteroids; ACTION, Antenatal CorticosTeroids for Improving Outcomes in preterm Newborns.