Study of Antenatal Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in Women in Premature Labor to Prevent Lung Disease in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVES:

I. Assess the efficacy and safety of antenatal administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to women in premature labor to improve pulmonary outcomes in preterm infants.

PROTOCOL OUTLINE: This is a randomized, double blind, multicenter study. Patients are randomized to receive antenatal thyrotropin-releasing hormone or placebo.

Patients receive thyrotropin-releasing hormone or placebo intravenously over 20 minutes every 8 hours for 4 doses.

Infants are assessed for survival and chronic lung disease until day 28 after birth, and again at 36 postmenstrual weeks.

• Pregnant women in active labor with 24-29 weeks gestation
• Not eligible if any of the following is present: Bleeding Infection Hypertension (greater than 140/90 mmHg) Fetus with hydrops or life-threatening anomalies One dead fetus in multiple pregnancy