Progesterone for Prevention of Recurrent Preterm Labor after Arrested
Preterm Labor- A Randomized Controlled Trial
Mohan C. Regmi*, Pappu Rijal, Ajay Agrawal and Dhruba Uprety
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal
Abstract
Background: Preterm birth is the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. In developing countries, it’s a
major health hazard. But there are very few evidence based interventions to prevent it. This study focus on prevention
of preterm birth.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was undertaken in BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, where 60
patients were randomized into group 1 (n=29, weekly intramuscular Progesterone) and group 2 (n=31,no treatment)
after the arrest of preterm labor with tocolysis. Their latency period till delivery and recurrence of preterm labor and
neonatal outcomes were compared.
Results: There was significant reduction in recurrence of preterm labor and increase in latency period in
progesterone group. However neonatal outcomes were similar.
Conclusion: Progesterone is useful in reducing the recurrence of preterm labor in a patient who had preterm
labor.