Efficacy of 17 Αlpha Hydroxy Progesterone in Prevention of Preterm Labour in High Risk Patients

Objective: To determine the efficacy of 17 α OH progesterone in prevention of preterm labour in high risk patients. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetric and gynecology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore during January 2008 to December 2010. Patients and Methods: Two hundreds women fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited in study and were divided into two groups (treated and non-treated). The 17 α OH progesterone injections were started from 20 weeks and on ward on weekly basis until 36 weeks of gestation or delivery whichever occurred first. The primary end point was preterm birth, defined as birth occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. Other out-Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore comes were frequency of episodes of uterine contractions, episodes of preterm labour and response to treatment with beta – mimetics. Results: The treatment with 17 α OH progesterone helped to prolong pregnancy to full term in 66% as compared to those non treated 11%. There was 4.17 (2.65 – 6.60) time higher RR in non-treated group as compared to treated group for preterm delivery between 35 – 37 weeks. Similarly the RR was 4.94 (2.61- 8.58) and 6.33 (2.95 – 13.60) in non-treated group as compare to treated group of preterm deliveries between 32 – 35 weeks and 32 weeks respectively. Conclusion: Women with previous preterm births when treated with 17 α OH progesterone showed significant reduction in spontaneous early preterm delivery.