Abstract
OBJECTIVE:: To assess whether 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces the rate of preterm birth in women carrying triplets. METHODS:: We performed this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 14 centers. Healthy women with triplets were randomly assigned to weekly intramuscular injections of either 250 mg of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate or matching placebo, starting at 16-20 weeks and ending at delivery or 35 weeks of gestation. The primary study outcome was delivery or fetal loss before 35 weeks. RESULTS:: One hundred thirty-four women were assigned, 71 to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate and 63 to placebo; none were lost to follow-up. Baseline demographic data were similar in the two groups. The proportion of women experiencing the primary outcome (a composite of delivery or fetal loss before 35 0/7 weeks) was similar in the two treatment groups: 83% of pregnancies in the 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate group and 84% in the placebo group, relative risk 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.9-1.1. The lack of benefit of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate was evident regardless of the conception method or whether a gestational age cutoff for delivery was set at 32 or 28 weeks. CONCLUSION:: Treatment with 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in women with triplet gestations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 285-292 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Obstetrics and gynecology |
Volume | 113 |
Issue number | 2 PART 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2009 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology