Effectiveness of 17-Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone in the Prevention of Preterm Labour

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 17-Alpha- Hydroxyprogesterone in preventing preterm labour.

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital, Sakardu Pakistan, from Jun to Dec 2019.

Methodology: A total of 208 patients (104 in each group) were recruited in this study. Group-A 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (250mg) intramuscular injection was given weekly from 20-36 weeks of gestation or delivery, whichever occurred first. GroupB (Control Group) received no treatment except routine antenatal care but was treated actively with tocolytic drugs and corticosteroids if they presented with preterm labour.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 26.1±4.9 and 25.7±4.5 in Group-A and B, respectively. In Group-A (17-alphahydroxyprogesterone), the mean gestational age at delivery was 36.8±3.8; in Group-B (control), the mean gestational age was 35.7±1.3. Treatment was efficacious in 82 patients (78.8%) in Group-A and 65(62.5%) in Group-B. The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p=0.009).

Conclusion: 17 Alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate preventive therapy likely plays an important role in reducing the risk of recurrent preterm birth.