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.

Saudi Medical Journal
|April 16, 2020
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

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...
5.7K
Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle...
3.1K
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...
969
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers01:31

Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers

Third-generation β-blockers, such as labetalol and carvedilol, represent a significant advancement in managing cardiovascular conditions. Unlike conventional β-blockers, which can induce peripheral vasoconstriction, third-generation drugs block α1 adrenoceptors. This promotes vasodilation through several mechanisms, such as increased nitric oxide production, inhibition of calcium ion entry, opening of potassium ion channels, and antioxidant action. Labetalol, for instance, is...
1.1K
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...
374
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management01:19

Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management

The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
204