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

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular progesterone in prevention of preterm labor in high risk cases.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingAin Shams Maternity hospital.Materials and methodsSingleton pregnant women in their second trimester with a history of previous preterm labor were divided into two groups: progesterone group: received 17-α-hydroxy progesterone caproate (Cidolut depot) one dose of 250mg IM once weekly until 36weeks and placebo group: received standard dose of placebo IM per week. Follow up till delivery.ResultsThe 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 37weeks of gestation (52%) and 12 women delivered full term (48%).ConclusionOur findings support 17-α-hydroxy progesterone as a successful drug in the prevention and decreasing the rate of recurrent preterm labor.