[The administration of micronized progesterone in the treatment of threatened premature labor]

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial concerning the treatment of threatened premature labour was undertaken using the following methodology: beta-mimetics were given intravenously to all patients (44) and micronised progesterone or the placebo were prescribed orally after randomisation (22 patients in each group). The mean index of prolongation of pregnancy was similar in both groups. However, the mean duration of the intravenous infusion and the mean dose of beta-mimetics administered intravenously were significantly lower in the oral progesterone group (p less than 0.01). Similarly, there was a significant (less than 0.05) decrease in the mean duration of hospitalisation. The cost and risks of treatment are thus significantly reduced when beta-mimetics and oral progesterone are used in combination.