| Methods |
Randomised controlled trial‐ double blind.
Blinding of randomisation ‐ can't tell. Randomised assigment list used for randomisation, but concealment unclear. Intervention adequately blinded, with equal volumes of treatment and saline placebo. Follow up complete for all enrolled subjects. Method of blinding outcome assessment not clearly defined. |
| Participants |
50 newborn infants with meconium aspiration syndrome and severe respiratory distress. |
| Interventions |
Intervention group n=27; Control group n=23. Intravenous dexamethasone or saline placebo of equivalent volume given immediately after diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome, then q12h for 7 days
Initial dose: 1mg/kg/dose; day 1‐3: 0.5mg/kg/dose; day 4‐7: 0.25mg/kg/dose. |
| Outcomes |
Pulmonary hypertension, mortality, intubation, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, length of hospitalisation, acid base status, weight loss, blood glucose, blood pressure. |
| Notes |
Study assumed to have been conducted in Taiwan, dates unknown |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
