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Progesterone effects on preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

  • Materno-fetal Medicine
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the prophylactic administration of vaginal progesterone would reduce the preterm birth rate in high-risk population including singleton and twin pregnancies.

Methods

This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study that included 150 high-risk pregnancies. Risk groups included prior spontaneous preterm birth, twin pregnancy, and uterine malformation. Micronized progesterone or placebo (100 mg) was administered daily by vaginal suppository between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. We compared progesterone and placebo groups for incidence of preterm labor and preterm delivery. Data were compared by χ² analysis and Fisher exact test.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of preterm labor between placebo and progesterone groups (45.7 vs. 25%, respectively; p < 0.05). More women delivered before 37 weeks in placebo group (57.2%) than in progesterone group (40%; p < 0.05). Administering progesterone also reduced the preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. The difference between placebo and progesterone group was statistically significant (24.3 vs. 8.8%; p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in neonatal death between placebo and progesterone groups.

Conclusion

Prophylactic vaginal progesterone reduced the rate of preterm labor and preterm delivery in high-risk pregnancies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Diseases Education and Research Hospital, Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

    Elcin Cetingoz, Cetin Cam, Mustafa Sakallı, Ates Karateke, Cem Celik & Ali Sancak

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  1. Elcin Cetingoz
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  2. Cetin Cam
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  3. Mustafa Sakallı
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  4. Ates Karateke
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  5. Cem Celik
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Correspondence to Elcin Cetingoz.

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Cetingoz, E., Cam, C., Sakallı, M. et al. Progesterone effects on preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 283, 423–429 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1351-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-1351-2

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