Antenatal Late Preterm Steroids (ALPS): A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (ALPS)

This is a randomized placebo controlled trial to evaluate whether antenatal corticosteroids can decrease the rate of neonatal respiratory support, thus decreasing the rate of NICU admissions and improving short-term outcomes in the late preterm infant. The use of antenatal corticosteroids has been shown to be beneficial in women at risk for preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks but has not been evaluated in those likely to deliver in the late preterm period

Study Overview

Detailed Description

The rate of preterm birth has steadily increased in the United States over the past 10 years. This increase is driven in part by the rising rate of late preterm birth, defined as those births occurring between 34 and 36 weeks. Late preterm infants experience a higher rate of readmission than their term counterparts, and these infants are more likely to suffer complications such as respiratory distress, kernicterus, feeding difficulties, and hypoglycemia. Late preterm infants also have a higher mortality for all causes when compared to term infants. The use of antenatal corticosteroids has been shown to be beneficial in women at risk for preterm delivery prior to 34 weeks but has not been evaluated in those likely to deliver in the late preterm period. If shown to reduce the need for respiratory support and thus to decrease the rate of special care nursery admissions and improve short-term outcomes, the public health and economic impact will be considerate.This protocol describes a randomized placebo controlled trial to evaluate whether antenatal corticosteroids can decrease the rate of neonatal respiratory support, thus decreasing the rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and improving short-term outcomes in the late preterm infant.

Two follow-up studies will be conducted concurrently. The first follow-up study will examine if the positive effects of betamethasone on lung function will persist in children at 6 years of age of mothers randomized to betamethasone with an expected late preterm delivery. Neonatal respiratory morbidity is associated with an increased risk of adverse childhood respiratory disease. Thus it is quite plausible that the effect of betamethasone, in reducing neonatal morbidity, particularly TTN, will translate into improved respiratory morbidity in early childhood.The primary outcome is childhood respiratory disease defined by a composite outcome of abnormal pulmonary function test (PFT) measured by spirometry, physician diagnosis of asthma, or other respiratory illnesses with medication.

The second follow-up study will examine whether late preterm antenatal betamethasone treatment is associated with long-term neurocognitive functioning, and whether there are any long-term consequences of what is believed to be transient neonatal hypoglycemia. Cognitive function will be measured by the Differential Ability Scales 2nd Edition (DAS-II) core components of the general conceptual ability (GCA) that includes verbal ability, non-verbal reasoning ability and spatial ability. The primary outcome is defined as a GCA score of <85 (1 standard deviation below the mean) at 6 years of age or greater.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

2831

Phase

  • Phase 3

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Alabama
      • Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35233
        • University of Alabama - Birmingham
    • California
      • Stanford, California, United States, 94305
        • Stanford University
    • Colorado
      • Denver, Colorado, United States, 80045
        • University of Colorado
    • Illinois
      • Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
        • Northwestern University
    • Michigan
      • Detroit, Michigan, United States, 48201
        • Wayne State University
    • New York
      • New York, New York, United States, 10032
        • Columbia University
    • North Carolina
      • Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599
        • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
      • Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27710
        • Duke University
    • Ohio
      • Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44109
        • Case Western Reserve University
      • Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43210
        • Ohio State University
    • Oregon
      • Portland, Oregon, United States, 97239
        • Oregon Health & Science University
    • Pennsylvania
      • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
        • University of Pittsburgh Magee Womens Hospital
    • Rhode Island
      • Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02905
        • Brown University
    • Texas
      • Dallas, Texas, United States, 75235
        • University of Texas - Southwest
      • Galveston, Texas, United States, 77555
        • University of Texas - Galveston
      • Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
        • University of Texas - Houston
    • Utah
      • Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84132
        • University of Utah Medical Center

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

Female

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Singleton Pregnancy. A twin pregnancy reduced to singleton (either spontaneously or therapeutically) before 14,0 weeks by project gestational age is acceptable

Gestational age at randomization between 34,0 weeks and 36,5 weeks confirmed by study criteria

High probability of delivery in the late preterm period (any one of the following):

  • Membrane rupture as defined by the occurrence of any two of the following: pooling of fluid in the vaginal vault, positive Nitrazine test, ferning of vaginal fluid, positive AmniSure test; or any one of the following: indigo carmine pooling in the vagina after amnioinfustion, visible leakage of amniotic fluid from the cervix

or

  • Preterm labor with intact membranes. Preterm labor is defined as at least 6 regular uterine contractions in an observation period of no more than 60 minutes and at least one of the following: cervix greater than or equal to 3cm dilated or at least 75% effaced

or

  • Planned delivery by induction of labor or cesarean section in no less than 24 hours and no more than 7 days, as deemed necessary by the provider. An induction must be scheduled to start by 36,5 weeks at the latest, whereas a cesarean delivery must be scheduled by 36,6 weeks at the latest. Therefore the latest gestational age for randomization is 36,4 weeks for a planned induction. The planned delivery may be for any indication, such as the following: prior myomectomy, prior classical cesarean, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), oligohydramnios, preeclampsia, nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing warranting delivery, abruption, placenta previa

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Any prior antenatal corticosteroid course during the pregnancy because of potential contamination of the placebo group
  2. Candidate for stress dose corticosteroids because of chronic steroid therapy to prevent suppression of adrenal gland, because of potential contamination of the placebo group
  3. Twin gestation reduced to a singleton gestation at or after 14 weeks 0 days by project gestational age either spontaneously or therapeutically
  4. Fetal demise, or known major fetal anomaly, including cardiac anomaly and hydrops
  5. Maternal contraindication to betamethasone: hypersensitivity reaction to any components of the medication, idiopathic thromboycytopenic purpura, systemal fungal infection in case of exacerbation by betamethasone, use of amphotericin B due to the possibility of heart failure with concomitant betamethasone
  6. Pre-gestational diabetes - exclude if the patient was on medication (insulin, glyburide) prior to pregnancy
  7. Delivery expected within 12 hours of randomization, because of insufficient time of corticosteroids to confer benefit, including any of the following:

    A. Rupture of Membranes (ROM) does not satisfy protocol criteria - exclude if the patient being evaluated for Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (pPROM), does not have preterm labor or planned delivery and does not satisfy the spontaneous membrane rupture criteria (any 2 of: positive Nitrazine test, pooling of fluid in the vaginal vault test or ferning of vaginal fluid; or indigo carmine pooling in the vagina after amnioinfusion; or visible leakage of amniotic fluid from the cervix) B. Rupture of the membranes in the presence of more than 6 contractions per hour or cervical dilation of 3 cm or more, unless oxytocin was withheld for at least 12 hours (other induction agents allowed) C. Chorioamnionitis - exclude if patient is diagnosed with chorioamnionitis D. Cervical dilation ≥ 8 cm E. Evidence of non-reassuring fetal status requiring immediate delivery

  8. Participation in another interventional study that influences neonatal morbidity and mortality
  9. Participation in this trial in a previous pregnancy
  10. Delivery at a non-network hospital
  11. At 36, 0 weeks to 36, 5 weeks and quota for 36 weeks already met. To ensure there is an adequate proportion of women presenting at 34 to 35 weeks of gestation, enrollment will be restricted so that no more than 50% of the women in the trial present at 36 weeks.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Prevention
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Betamethasone
A course of two 2mL intramuscular (IM) injections containing 3 mg of betamethasone, 24 hours apart
The active study drug, betamethasone. 3 mg per ml betamethasone sodium phosphate 3 mg per milliliter betamethasone acetate The first dose of study drug medication will be administered at randomization as 2 ml injection; the next dose of 2 ml will be administered 24 hours later.
Other Names:
  • Corticosteroid
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
A similar course of an identical appearing placebo: two 2 mL IM injections of placebo, 24 hours apart
Similar course of identical appearing placebo: 2 mL IM injections, 24 hours apart.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Neonatal Composite Outcome
Time Frame: 72 hours of life
Need for respiratory support: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) for greater than or equal to 2 hours or more in the first 72 hours, or fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) greater than or equal to 0.30 for 4 hours or more in the first 72 hours, or mechanical ventilation in the first 72 hours, or Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) Stillbirth, or neonatal death less than 72 hours of age
72 hours of life

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Number of Neonates With Severe Respiratory Complication,
Time Frame: 72 hours of life
A severe respiratory complication was defined as any of the following occurrences within 72 hours after birth: CPAP or high-flow nasal cannula for at least 12 hours, supplemental oxygen with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.30 or more for at least 24 hours, mechanical ventilation, stillbirth or neonatal death, or the need for ECMO. Except for the duration of CPAP or high-flow nasal cannula and the duration of a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.30 or more, the criteria for a severe respiratory complication overlap with those of the primary outcome.
72 hours of life
Neonates Needing Immediate Resuscitation After Birth
Time Frame: Within the first 30 minutes of birth
Need for resuscitation after birth: any intervention in the first 30 minutes other than blow-by oxygen
Within the first 30 minutes of birth
Number of Neonates With Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Time Frame: Delivery
Respiratory distress defined as the presence of clinical signs of respiratory distress (tachypnea, retractions, flaring, grunting, or cyanosis) with an oxygen requirement and a chest x-ray that shows hypoaeration and reticulogranular infiltrates
Delivery
Number of Neonates With Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn
Time Frame: by 72 hours after delivery
TTN is defined as signs of respiratory distress, specifically tachypnea, that are resolved by 72 hours of age. TTN may be diagnosed in the absence of a chest X-ray or with a chest X-ray that is normal or shows signs of increased perihilar interstitial markings
by 72 hours after delivery
Number of Infants With Neonatal Apnea
Time Frame: 72 hours of life
Neonatal apnea with respiratory pauses of more than 20 seconds duration resulting in bradycardia or oxygen desaturation below baseline.
72 hours of life
Number of Infants withChronic Lung Disease / Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Requiring Supplemental Oxygen
Time Frame: 28 days of life
Infants requiring supplemental oxygen of more than 0.21 for the first 28 days of life
28 days of life
Neonates With Pneumonia
Time Frame: by 72 hours of life
Neonatal pneumonia
by 72 hours of life
Number of Neonates Needing Surfactant Administration
Time Frame: Delivery
Administration of surfactant for neonatal respiratory treatment
Delivery
Neonatal Outcome Composite
Time Frame: 72 hours of life
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and apnea
72 hours of life
Number of Neonates With Pulmonary Air Leak
Time Frame: 72 hours post delivery
Neonatal pulmonary air leak syndrome
72 hours post delivery
Neonatal Death After 72 Hours of Delivery
Time Frame: 72 hours after delivery through hospital discharge up to 3 weeks
Neonatal death after 72 hours of life but before hospital discharge.
72 hours after delivery through hospital discharge up to 3 weeks
Birth Weight
Time Frame: Delivery
Weight in grams at delivery
Delivery
Birth Weight Less Than 10th Percentile
Time Frame: Delivery
Neonates whose birth weight is less than the 10th percentile at delivery
Delivery
Gestational Age at Delivery
Time Frame: Delivery
Number of neonates delivered at ≤ 34 weeks 6 days, between 35 weeks 0 days and 35 weeks 6 days, between 36 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days, between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days, or on or after 39 weeks 0 days
Delivery
Number of Neonates With Necrotizing Enterocolitic (NEC)
Time Frame: Delivery
Defined as modified Bell Stage 2 or 3. Stage 2: Clinical signs and symptoms with pneumatosis intestinalis on radiographs. Stage 3: Advanced clinical signs and symptoms, pneumatosis, impending or proven intestinal perforation.
Delivery
Number of Infants With Neonatal Sepsis
Time Frame: Delivery
Clinical suspicion of systemic infection with a positive blood, cerebral spinal fluid, or catheterized/suprapubic urine culture; or, in the absence of positive cultures, clinical evience of cardiovascular collapse or an X-ray confirming infection.
Delivery
Number of Neonates With Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Time Frame: Delivery
Grade 3 or 4 Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Delivery
Neonatal Morbidity Composite
Time Frame: Delivery
A composite endpoint of morbidities known to be affected by steroid administration will also be evaluated. Specifically, this composite will include RDS, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and NEC
Delivery
Number of Neonates With Hypoglycemia
Time Frame: Delivery through hospital discharge up to 3 weeks
Glucose < 40 mg per deciliter (2.2 mmol per liter) at any time
Delivery through hospital discharge up to 3 weeks
Time Until First Neonatal Feeding
Time Frame: Delivery to 36 hours post delivery
Median length of time from delivery until the first neonatal feeding
Delivery to 36 hours post delivery
Neonatal Feeding Difficulty
Time Frame: Delivery to 36 hours post delivery
Inability of the neonate to take all feeds (po), i.e. requiring gavage feeds or IV supplementation.
Delivery to 36 hours post delivery
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Time Frame: Delivery
Peak total bilirubin of at least 15 mg% or the use of phototherapy.
Delivery
Number of Neonates With Hypothermia
Time Frame: Delivery through discharge up to 3 weeks
Rectal temperature < 36 C at any time
Delivery through discharge up to 3 weeks
Length of NICU or Nursery Stay
Time Frame: Delivery through hospital discharge up to 3 weeks
Includes need for NICU or intermediate care admission and length of stay if admitted. For analysis purposes, death before discharge is assigned maximum rank
Delivery through hospital discharge up to 3 weeks
Median Length of Hospital Stay
Time Frame: Duration of hospital stay following delivery up to 2 weeks
Median length of maternal hospital stay following delivery
Duration of hospital stay following delivery up to 2 weeks
Maternal Outcomes (Participant-based)
Time Frame: Labor and delivery through 72 hours post partum
Chorioamnionitis: clinical diagnosis and a body temperature of at least 100.4 degrees F., Endometritis: persistent postpartum temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F with uterine tenderness, cesarean delivery
Labor and delivery through 72 hours post partum
Hours From Randomization to Delivery
Time Frame: Randomization through delivery
Median interval of hours from randomization to delivery
Randomization through delivery
Median Length of Maternal Hospital Stay
Time Frame: Delivery through hospital discharge
Median length of maternal hospital stay in days
Delivery through hospital discharge

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Rebecca Clifton, PhD, George Washington University
  • Study Director: Monica Longo, MD, NICHD Project Scientist
  • Study Chair: Cynthia Gyamfi Bannerman, MD, Columbia University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

October 1, 2010

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 1, 2015

Study Completion (Actual)

August 31, 2022

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

October 14, 2010

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

October 14, 2010

First Posted (Estimate)

October 18, 2010

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 28, 2023

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 24, 2023

Last Verified

March 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • HL98354-HD36801-ALPS
  • U10HD036801 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD021410 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD027869 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD027917 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD034116 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD034208 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD040500 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD040485 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD040544 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD040545 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD040560 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD040512 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD053097 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD027915 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD053118 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD068282 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD068258 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U10HD068268 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U01HL098354 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • U01HL098554 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

Data will be shared after completion and publication of the main analyses per NIH policy. Requests can be sent to mfmudatasets@bsc.gwu.edu.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

Yes

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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