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The use of progesterone during pregnancy to prevent preterm birth
Eman S Alsulmi1, Malikah Alfaraj, Yaser Faden
1From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail. ealsulmi@gmail.com.
Insights
Progesterone use in pregnancy is a key strategy for preventing preterm birth (PTB). This review provides clinical guidelines for progesterone
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global challenge in maternal and child health.
- Despite advances, strategies to improve premature infant survival have not fully addressed PTB rates.
- Progesterone gained FDA approval for PTB prevention nine years ago.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on progesterone's efficacy in preventing preterm birth.
- To provide evidence-based guidelines for clinical use of progesterone in pregnancy.
- To address controversial aspects of PTB prevention with progesterone.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent evidence on progesterone for PTB prevention.
- Development of clinical guidelines for progesterone use.
- Analysis of controversial areas including multifetal gestation, formulations, safety, dose, and administration route.
Main Results:
- Recent evidence supports the use of progesterone for PTB prevention.
- Guidelines are provided to assist physicians in clinical decision-making.
- Key areas of controversy are addressed to clarify clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Progesterone is a valuable tool in the prevention of preterm birth.
- Standardized guidelines are essential for optimal clinical application.
- Further clarification on controversial aspects will aid widespread adoption and efficacy.
Abstract:
One of the most significant problems facing maternal and children health worldwide is preterm birth (PTB). Although strategies to increase the survival of premature infants have significantly improved in the past few decades, they have yet to be successful. Nine years ago, the use of progesterone in pregnancy was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PTB prevention. This paper reviews the recent evidence supporting the use of progesterone in pregnancy for PTB prevention and provides guidelines for its use in daily clinical practice. The guidelines address multiple current controversial areas regarding the prevention of PTB to aid physicians with their clinical decision-making practice, including the use in multifetal gestation, different formulations, safety in pregnancy, dose and route of administration.Saudi Med J 2020; Vol. 41 (4): 333-340doi: 10.15537/smj.2020.4.25036How to cite this article:Alsulmi ES, Alfaraj M, Faden Y, Al Qahtani N. The use of progesterone during pregnancy to prevent preterm birth. Saudi Med J 2020; Vol. 41: 333-340. doi: 10.15537/smj.2020.4.25036.
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