Comparison 5. Dexamethasone versus placebo.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Stillbirths	1	83	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.43 [0.02, 10.31]
2 Fetal distress/asphyxial event	1	83	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.61 [0.51, 13.47]
3 Subgroup analysis ‐ fetal distress/asphyxial event	1	83	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.50 [0.50, 12.33]
3.1 Bile acid levels < 40 µmol/L	1	61	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	4.32 [0.48, 39.18]
3.2 Bile acid levels ≥ 40 µmol/L	1	22	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.0 [0.07, 14.05]
4 Meconium‐stained liquor	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
4.1 Any degree of ICP (all women)	1	83	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.00 [0.56, 1.78]
4.2 Severe subgroup	1	22	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.83 [0.36, 1.94]
5 Spontaneous birth at less than 37 weeks	1	83	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	1.52 [0.21, 10.90]
5.1 Bile acid levels < 40 µmol/L	1	61	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	4.32 [0.95, 19.69]
5.2 Bile acid levels ≥ 40 µmol/L	1	22	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.6 [0.19, 1.92]
6 Total preterm births at less than 37 weeks	1	83	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	1.16 [0.26, 5.10]
6.1 Bile acid levels < 40 µmol/L	1	61	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	2.52 [0.82, 7.70]
6.2 Bile acid levels ≥ 40 µmol/L	1	22	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.57 [0.23, 1.41]