title: Progesterone does not prevent preterm births in women with twins.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare preterm birth rate and neonatal outcome in twin gestations randomized to either 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) or placebo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women with twin gestations between 20-30 weeks were randomized to receive weekly injections of either 250 mg 17P injection (Group I), or placebo (Group II). Maternal and neonatal outcome data was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty twin intrauterine pregnancies were randomized; 16 received 17P and 14 received placebo. Demographic data as well as past history and gestational age at randomization were equivalent between groups (P = 0.286-0.847). All patients in both groups were Medicaid recipients. The incidence of preterm labor (P = 0.980), and premature rupture of the membranes (P = 0.525) were the same between groups. Gestational age at delivery was also similar between 17P (33.9 weeks) versus placebo (33.1 weeks, P = 0.190) as was the incidence of preterm birth <35 weeks (44% vs 79%, P = 0.117). Infant weight (P = 0.641), Apgar score at 5 minutes (P = 0.338) as well as neonatal morbidity such as respiratory distress syndrome (P = 0.838), patent ductus arteriosus (P = 0.704), intraventricular hemorrhage (P = 0.851) and necrotizing enterocolitis (P = 0.946) showed no difference. Days spent in the NICU among 17P (18.4) versus placebo (17.3, P = 0.155), neonatal death (P = 0.359) and those infants discharged with neurologic handicap (P = 0.594) were not different between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Amongst this group of twin gestations weekly 17HP injections did not reduce the incidence of preterm birth or the complications associated with prematurity.
authors: University of TN Chattanooga Unit, Chattanooga, TN, USA.
authors: Christian M
authors: CM
authors: Briery
authors: Edward W
authors: EW
authors: Veillon
authors: Chad K
authors: CK
authors: Klauser
authors: Rick W
authors: RW
authors: Martin
authors: Suneet P
authors: SP
authors: Chauhan
authors: Everett F
authors: EF
authors: Magann
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000077713:17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014427:Twins; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D011372:Progestins; D000077713:17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate