Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
06:49

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model

Published on: April 7, 2023

What agent should be used to prevent recurrent preterm birth: 17-P or natural progesterone?

Nicole Ruddock Hall1

  • 1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77026, USA. nicole.r.hall@uth.tmc.edu

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|May 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-P) is recommended for preventing recurrent preterm birth. This treatment is indicated for women with a prior history of delivering before 37 weeks gestation.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Preterm birth rates have risen in the US, with 12.5% of births occurring before 37 weeks gestation in 2006.
  • Preterm birth and low birth weight incur substantial healthcare costs, exceeding $11 billion in 2003.
  • Neonatal morbidity and mortality are significant concerns associated with premature delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the scientific literature on the efficacy of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-P) and natural progesterone.
  • To determine the appropriate indication for 17-P in preventing preterm birth.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate and natural progesterone.
  • Analysis of data regarding preterm birth prevention and treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

  • The review indicates that 17-P is effective in preventing recurrent preterm birth.
  • Natural progesterone was also considered in the literature review.

Conclusions:

  • 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-P) is indicated for the prevention of preterm birth.
  • Treatment is specifically recommended for women with a documented history of a previous preterm birth before 37 weeks gestation.

Related Concept Videos

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists01:23

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists

Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems01:21

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents01:20

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents

The gastric mucosa produces prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), crucial in maintaining gastric health. They exert cytoprotective effects, including increasing bicarbonate secretion, releasing protective mucin, reducing gastric acid output, and preventing harmful vasoconstriction. These effects are mediated through various receptors, such as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Prodrugs01:30

Prodrugs

Prodrugs are a class of pharmaceutical compounds that undergo a biotransformation process within the body to be converted into a pharmacologically active drug. Prodrugs are designed to improve the therapeutic properties of the parent drug, such as enhancing bioavailability, increasing stability, or reducing toxicity. The concept of prodrugs revolves around modifying the chemical structure of the original drug to make it more effective or convenient for administration.
Prodrugs help overcome...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Birth Control Methods01:22

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...