The investigators sought to determine whether the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm fetuses is similar with 12- vs 24-hour dosing interval of dexamethasone.

The administration of glucocorticoids to accelerate fetal lung maturity in patients with preterm delivery plays an important role for obstetrics and neonatal care. Many studies have shown that maternal administration of glucocorticoids has a significant beneficial effect in decreasing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in infants delivered at 28-34 weeks of gestation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patient with threatened or established preterm labor between 28 - 34 weeks attended to our emergency unit

Exclusion Criteria:

• emergent obstetric conditions like:

  • Antepartum hemorrhage in severe attack
  • Antepartum eclampsia