title: Matched sample comparison of intramuscular versus vaginal micronized progesterone for prevention of preterm birth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare vaginal with intramuscular progesterone administration to prevent preterm labor in women with singleton pregnancies and at increased risk of preterm birth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective comparative clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and sixty pregnant women at 20-24 weeks gestation at the risk of preterm labor were classified into: 80 women who received micronized progesterone tablets 200 mg vaginally daily (Group A) and 80 women who received 100 mg progesterone in the form of intramuscular every third day (Group B).
  
  
  METHODS
  Estimation of gestational age, assessment of fetal growth and fetal biophysical profile by trans-abdominal ultrasonographic examination was done every 4 weeks till delivery. Measurement of cervical length was achieved by transvaginal ultrasonography, done every 4 weeks till delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Incidence of preterm delivery, mean gestational age and the incidence of adverse events of intramuscular versus vaginal route of progesterone administration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of preterm delivery in Group A was 20% and in Group B was 27.5%. The difference between both groups was statistically insignificant. In addition, the rate of adverse events reported in women received injectable progesterone was significantly higher than the rate of adverse events reported in women who received vaginal progesterone therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vaginally administrated progesterone was nearly as equally effective as intramuscular progesterone in the prevention of preterm labor in women at risk and in the meantime has less undesirable events.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. Mohgharib@hotmail.com
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: El-Gharib
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: El-Hawary
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011372:Progestins; D011374:Progesterone