Table 2. Baseline Characteristics by Treatment Assignmenta.
| Characteristic | Betamethasone (n = 1426) | Placebo (n = 1395) |
|---|---|---|
| Gestational age at trial entry | ||
| ≤34 wk 6 d | 368 (25.8) | 398 (28.5) |
| 35 wk 0 d to 35 wk 6 d | 571 (40.0) | 527 (37.8) |
| ≥36 wk 0 d | 487 (34.2) | 470 (33.7) |
| Indication for trial entry | ||
| Preterm labor | 398 (27.9) | 391 (28.0) |
| Preterm PROM | 315 (22.1) | 302 (21.7) |
| Medically indicated delivery | 713 (50.0) | 702 (50.3) |
| Maternal age, mean (SD), y | 28.6 (6.25) | 27.9 (6.15) |
| Smoking during current pregnancy | 204 (14.3) | 182 (13.1) |
| Gestational diabetes | 153 (10.7) | 153 (11.0) |
| Nulliparous | 455 (31.9) | 447 (32.0) |
| Racial/ethnic group | ||
| Black | 375 (26.3) | 381 (27.3) |
| White | 827 (58.0) | 794 (56.9) |
| Asian | 56 (3.9) | 39 (2.8) |
| Other, unknown, or >1 race | 168 (11.8) | 181 (13.0) |
| Hispanic | 405 (28.5) | 447 (32.2) |
Abbreviation: PROM, premature rupture of membranes.
a
Data are presented as number (percentage) of mothers or infants unless otherwise indicated.