title: Preterm Birth Prevention: Effects of Vaginal Progesterone Administration on Blood Flow Impedance in Uterine-Fetal Circulation by Doppler Sonography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal progesterone administration on maternal and fetal circulation to prevent preterm birth.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present prospective study was conducted on 35 women with singleton pregnancy at 18-33 weeks of gestation, who presented with at least one episode of preterm labor or asymptomatic short cervix, or past medical history of preterm birth. Doppler flow and Pulsatility Index (PI) assessment of the umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery, uterine arteries, and ductusvenosus were performed before and 72 h after vaginal progesterone administration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed a significant reduction in the PI of the uterine artery following progesterone administration. Nevertheless, no significant changes were observed in the PI of other vessels. No significant difference was found in Doppler flow parameters in any of the examined vessels before or after progesterone treatment in women with Preterm Labor Pain (PLP). Yet, a statistically significant association was observed between short cervix complication in the current pregnancy and medical history of PLP in the previous pregnancy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with vaginal progesterone reduced the PI in the uterine arteries in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Thus, this medication may have useful vasodilatory effects on uterine-fetal vessels.
authors.affiliation: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Vafaeih@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Homeira
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vafaei
authors.forename: Tarlan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zamanpour
authors.forename: Hadi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Raeisi Shahraki
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000098:blood supply; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone