title: 17α Hydroxyprogesterone caproate for prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth.
abstract: Use of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in women at risk is reviewed. Early studies regarding this topic reached contradicting conclusions, however recent studies showed that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate beginning at 16-20 weeks' gestation resulted in a substantial reduction in the rate of spontaneous recurrent preterm birth. Long-term follow-up of children exposed in-utero to the drug has shown normal growth and development and normal scores for gender specific roles. In conclusion, 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate is currently the only drug with sufficient evidence to support its use for prevention of spontaneous recurrent preterm birth.
authors: Beilinson Teratology Information Service, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Merlob
authors: Bracha
authors: B
authors: Stahl
authors: Gil
authors: G
authors: Klinger
mesh_terms: D000077713:17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate; D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016527:Drug Costs; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007267:Injections; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012008:Recurrence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D000077713:17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate