Prenatal administration of progesterone for preventing preterm birth in women considered to be at risk of preterm birth

Dodd JM, Flenady V, Cincotta R, Crowther CA

Published Online:

March 14, 2012

Babies who are born before 37 weeks, and particularly those born before 34 weeks, are at greater risk of suffering problems at birth. Progesterone is a hormone that inhibits the uterus from contracting and is involved in maintaining pregnancy. The review of eleven randomised controlled trials, involving a total of 2714 women and 3452 infants, found that where progesterone was given (by injection into the muscle in some studies and as a pessary into the vagina in others), there were some beneficial effects, including prolonging the pregnancy, but there is insufficient information about other possible benefits or harms. Further research is being undertaken.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Preterm birth is a major complication of pregnancy associated with perinatal mortality and morbidity. Progesterone for the prevention of preterm labour has been advocated.

Objectives:

To assess the benefits and harms of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth for women considered to be at increased risk of preterm birth.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (December 2008) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 1). We updated this search on 27 January 2012 and added the results to the awaiting classification section.

Selection criteria:

Randomised controlled trials, in which progesterone was given for preventing preterm birth.

Data collection and analysis:

Two authors independently evaluated trials for methodological quality and extracted data.

Main results:

Eleven randomised controlled trials (2714 women and 3452 infants) were included.

Progesterone versus placebo for women with a past history of spontaneous preterm birth
Progesterone was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth less than 34 weeks' gestation (one study; 142 women; risk ratio (RR) 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.64); preterm birth less than 37 weeks' gestation (four studies; 1255 women; RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.92); infant birthweight less than 2500 grams (two studies; 501 infants; RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.83).

Progesterone versus placebo for women with a short cervix identified on ultrasound
Progesterone was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth less than 34 weeks (one study; 250 women; RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.87); and neonatal sepsis (one study; 274 infants; RR 0.28; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.97).

Progesterone versus placebo for women with a multiple pregnancy
Progesterone was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of antenatal tocolysis (one study; 654 women; RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.97).

Progesterone versus placebo for women following presentation with threatened preterm labour
Progesterone, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth less than 37 weeks (one study; 60 women; RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.69), infant birthweight less than 2500 grams (one study; 70 infants; RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.98); and respiratory distress syndrome (one study; 70 infants; RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.83).

Progesterone versus placebo for women with 'other' risk factors for preterm birth
Progesterone was associated with no statistically significant differences for the reported outcomes.

Authors' conclusions:

Further trials are required to assess the benefits and harms of progesterone therapy when given to women considered to be at increased risk of early birth.

[Note: The 52 citations in the awaiting classification section of the review may alter the conclusions of the review once assessed.]

This record should be cited as:

Dodd JM, Flenady V, Cincotta R, Crowther CA. Prenatal administration of progesterone for preventing preterm birth in women considered to be at risk of preterm birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004947. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004947.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

December 31, 2008

Find the research

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Primary Review Group:

Pregnancy and Childbirth Group

Health topics:

Pregnancy & childbirth > Preterm labour > Prediction/prevention

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Prenatal administration of progesterone for preventing preterm birth in women considered to be at risk of preterm birth

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