What we have learned about the role of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in the prevention of preterm birth

Despite major advances in neonatal care, the burden of preterm birth remains high. This is not unexpected since strategies to identify and treat risk factors in early pregnancy have not been very effective in reducing the preterm birth rate. Initial studies suggested a potential benefit for 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) in decreasing the risk of recurrent preterm birth women with a singleton gestation. However, the use of 17-OHPC has not conferred benefit for other categories of women at high risk for preterm delivery (twins, triplets, and short cervical length).

Source: Seminars in Perinatology - April 18, 2016 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Steve N. Caritis, Maisa N. Feghali, William A. Grobman, Dwight J. Rouse, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal –Fetal Medicine Units Network Source Type: research