There was significant increase in latency period in intervention arm
with decrease in incidence of recurrent preterm labor (Table 2).
There was no difference in neonatal outcome in both groups.
The birth weight, incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, need
of neonatal intensive care unit admission was similar in both groups
(Table 3).
Discussion
The study showed significant reduction in recurrent preterm labor
with the use of progesterone (38% vs. 64%). However neonatal outcomes
were comparable. In 2005, Roberta Mackenzie et al. [19] conducted a
meta-analysis evaluating the use of progesterone for women with high
risk of preterm birth. Three trials were eligible for inclusion. There
was a significant reduction in risk of delivery less than 37 weeks with
progestational agents. There was no significant effect on perinatal
mortality or serious neonatal morbidity. The finding was similar to our
study. In 2006, a meta-analysis by Aravinthan Coomarasamy et al. [20]
evaluated the use of progesterone in prevention of preterm delivery
in high risk patients. A total of nine randomized control trials were
evaluated comprising of about 500 patients. Meta-analyses showed
reductions in delivery rates before 37 weeks as well as in respiratory