Table 2.

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.