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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
Bovine Ovarian Cortex Tissue Culture
Published on: January 14, 2021
Regional differences in utilization of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP)
Jessica M Hart1, Joe B Hakim2, Blair J Wylie1
1Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Objectives:
To describe regional differences in utilization of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP).
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study of a large, US commercial managed care plan claims database with pharmacy coverage from 2008 to 2018. Singleton pregnancies with at least one prior spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) were included. Regional and state-based differences in 17-OHP use were compared. Data were analyzed using t-tests and Fisher's exact tests.
Results:
Of the 4,514 individuals with an indication for 17-OHP, 580 (12.8%) were prescribed 17-OHP. Regional and state-based differences in 17-OHP utilization were identified; Northeast 15.7%, Midwest 13.7%, South 12.0%, and West 10.4% (p=0.003).
Conclusions:
While significant regional differences in 17-OHP utilization were demonstrated, 17-OHP utilization remained low despite this cohort having insurance through a US commercial managed care plan. Suboptimal utilization demonstrates a disconnect between research and uptake in clinical practice. This underscores a need for implementation science in obstetrics to translate updated recommendations more effectively and efficiently into clinical practice.
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