Progesterone supplementation for prevention of preterm labor: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular progesterone in prevention of preterm labor in high risk cases. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Ain Shams Maternity hospital. Materials and methods: Singleton pregnant women in their second trimester with a history of previous preterm labor were divided into two groups: progesterone group: received 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone caproate (Cidolut depot) one dose of 250 mg IM once weekly until 36 weeks and placebo group: received standard dose of placebo IM per week. Follow up till delivery. Results: The mean gestational age was 37.4 +/- 1.5 in progesterone group vs. 34.7 +/- 2.4 in placebo group (P < 0.05). In the progesterone group 8 of 25 women delivered before completion of 37 weeks of gestation (32%) and 17 women delivered full term (68%). In placebo group, 13 of 25 women delivered before completion of 37 weeks of gestation (52%) and 12 women delivered full term (48%). Conclusion: Our findings support 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone as a successful drug in the prevention and decreasing the rate of recurrent preterm labor. (C) 2010 Middle East Fertility Society. Production and Hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.